Vanderbilt strikes again in what has been fertile recruiting ground under head coach Derek Mason - the Commodores have landed their latest commitment from St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.) cornerback Tyson Russell.

"The coaching staff and the family atmosphere they they have," Russell said of the deciding factors in his decision. "I've talked to Coach (Aaron) Henry the most and Coach (Ted) Roof and I've talked to Coach (Derek) Mason. They all seem to care about me on and off the field."

Russell took a virtual visit with the coaching staff on Friday before solidifying his decision.

The three-star prospect has held an offer from Vanderbilt since January of 2019 and chose the Commodores over Pitt, NC State, Missouri, Purdue, Minnesota, and others.

As a junior, Russell tallied 18 tackles, two interceptions, and two pass break-ups according to MaxPreps in a complementary role for a loaded St. Thomas Aquinas state title team.

The 5-foot-10, 170-pound prospect also competes on his high school track team.

Russell's father, Twan Russell, played linebacker at Miami in college and with the Washington Redskins, Atlanta Falcons, and Miami Dolphins in the NFL.

Russell is the fifth overall commitment for the Commodores in the 2021 recruiting class which also features defensive lineman Terion Sugick and Tyler Bence, wide receiver Jack Bech, and offensive lineman Jake Ketschek.