2012 forward visits Vanderbilt
The regular signing period for college basketball is underway, and Vanderbilt has begun its hosting period.
Over the weekend, the Commodore staff entertained New Hampshire native Carson Desrosiers as the former Wake Forest center looks into possible transfer destinations.
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On Monday, the staff begins its formal courtship of 2012 athletic forward Sheldon Jeter. The 6-foot-7, 215-pound prospect out of Beaver Hills (Pa.) made a evening flight to Nashville on Sunday and has arrived at the Vanderbilt campus for an official visit.
Vanderbilt initially contacted the late riser a few weeks ago after evaluation. The Commodores officially offered Jeter over the weekend.
The Commodores have been in search of adding depth to its depleted roster for the upcoming season throughout the recruiting process.
Kevin Stallings and his staff, led by recruiting coordinator Dan Muller, signed two guards Kevin Bright and A.J. Astroth during the early signing period last November, but still have four open spots left with the graduation of All-SEC performers Jeffery Taylor and Festus Ezeli, three-year starting guard Brad Tinsley, two-year starting power forward Lance Goulbourne and versatile big man Steve Tchiengang.
Two-time SEC leading scorer and All-American John Jenkins has also decided to forgo his senior season in order to enter the NBA Draft.
Sheldon Jeter has seen his recruitment explode in recent months. The cousin of former Nebraska player Lance Jeter, Sheldon averaged over 20 points and 15 rebounds per game at Beaver Falls this winter, and has added nearly a dozen major D1 offers.
His current top four includes the Commodores, Penn State, South Carolina and Wisconsin. All four have offered as have others such as Florida State, Northeastern, Kansas State and Seton Hall.
He's already visited Wisconsin and Kansas State this spring.
An athletic looking forward with the versatility to play wing as well as some four-position at the next level, Jeter would possibly help fill the void of losses players like Taylor and Goulbourne.
"Right now, I am 6'8 and 215 pounds. I pride myself on being versatile and being able to do whatever my team needs," Jeter told PantherLair.com earlier this spring. "I pattern my game after Penny Hardaway. Having the size and ability to play a few positions is an advantage."
Immediate playing time would appear to be a possibility with the three and four positions somewhat unsettled going into the summer. Only rising junior Rod Odom, true sophomore Shelby Moats and redshirt sophomore James Siakam are strictly projected to either position.
Rising sophomore Dai-Jon Parker can play wing but could also end up as the Commodores lead option at the two-guard spot due to Jenkins early departure.
Rivals.com recently placed Jeter inside the Rivals150, checking in at exactly 150th overall. He also sits at No.34 in the network's small forward position rankings.
Jeter is expected to make a decision by the end of the week.
VandySports.com believes the Commodores will attempt to sign at least one or two prospects during the regular period and hold over any other remaining spots for the talented 2013 class. The Commodores have already offered nearly a dozen prospects from the current junior class.
The regular signing period for prospects to sign a national letter of intent ends on May 16th.