Dobbs makes his decision

Vanderbilt added another piece to its 2015 recruiting class on Thursday evening with the pledge of Fairburn (Ga.) athlete Sam Dobbs. The 6-foot-4, 219-pound tight end made the decision shortly after a unofficial visit to the school. He publicly announced his commitment on Twitter.

I am extremely honored and proud to announce that I have verbally committed to Vanderbilt Football!! #AnchorDown #GlorytoGod #SECbaby!!!- Sam Dobbs (@SamDobbs81) June 19, 2014

Dobbs was a standout last week during the Commodores first prospect camp of the summer, showing the ability to make virtually every catch on the tight end route tree, displaying quickness to create separation and toughness when physically challenged.

Named one of the top performers overall during Vanderbilt first four camps by VandySports.com, Dobbs received an official scholarship from the Commodore staff late last week.

"I really like the Vandy coaching staff," Dobbs told VandySports.com in an interview on June 15th. "I appreciate Coach Maxie and his recruitment of me. When I arrived at Vandy, he introduced me to many on the coaching staff. I have known Coach Bankins for over a year, and I followed Coach Mason back when he was at Stanford and always liked how he coached. At the camp, Coach Mason was involved in coaching the players in the drills and camp in general which I liked. It was great being coached by Coach Gdowski at the camp.

"Coach Gdowski spent time teaching technique/ways to improve my game during the camp and that will help me better my game as a senior in high school and at the next level. I also met Coach Grooms and many others on the staff. I enjoyed talking about the Nashville music scene with Coach Grooms."

Thanks for a GREAT day at Vanderbilt! @CoachDerekMason @GerryGdowski @Karl_Dorrell Proud and honored to commit to VU football!! #AnchorDown— Sam Dobbs (@SamDobbs81) June 20, 2014

Dobbs is projected to play the "U" tight end position for the Commodores, a hybrid position that allows the tight end to move around within formations, whether it be in the slot, the backfield or uptight opposite of the traditional "Y" tight end.

"Vanderbilt offers so much academically, athletically, and has been high on my list on schools I would like to attend and play football," Dobbs told VandySports.com on June 15th. "I am leaning towards an engineering degree, and Vanderbilt is a proven leader in that degree field. I am also a musician. I play guitar, piano, and drums, so I really like Nashville and the musical background and history it has."

Dobbs chose the Commodores over Florida, a program that he had impressed earlier in the week with a similar performance. He also held offers from other programs like Air Force, Georgia Southern and a few FCS schools, but was also receiving steady attention from programs like Auburn, Boston College, Clemson, Georgia Tech, Kentucky and North Carolina.

A top camp standout throughout the summer, Dobbs was one of the top performers at the VTO Sports Elite Camp in Atlanta back in March, receiving TE MVP honors following the event.

He also performed very well at the Atlanta NIKE Training Camp later that month, and several other events over the last few months.

Dobbs played in the prestigious Rising Stars Georgia Junior Bowl in December following a season in which he played receiver, tight end, running back and punt returner at Landmark Christian. He earned second team All-State and first team All-Region and All-Area honors in 2013.

His father was an offensive lineman at Auburn in the mid 1980s.

Dobbs becomes the fifth public commitment for Vanderbilt in the 2015 period. The Commodores plan to sign a pair of tight ends for the class.