Vanderbilt lands major target
Vanderbilt's 2013 class gained a little more size and power on Wednesday with the commitment of Memphis standout Mack Weaver.
The 6-foot-5, 250-pound two-way performer from Harding Academy pledged to Commodore head coach James Franklin and his staff on Tuesday night, and officially announced the decision following a football practice via Twitter.
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"Verbally committed to Vanderbilt yesterday!!! #AnchorDown," Weaver posted.
Harding Academy's coaching staff confirmed the decision with VandySports.com earlier in the day.
His commitment gives the Commodores one of its top overall targets for most of the 2013 recruiting period.
The Vanderbilt staff put a heavy emphasis on the "jumbo" athlete shortly after an evaluation and unofficial visit by Weaver and his family in the spring, where the staff came away with his projectable size, personality and background.
Ranking 20th on the Rivals.com tight end rankings, the high three-star is considered a major athlete by the Commodore staff, capable of playing on either side of the ball in the SEC. However, his initial projection is as a defensive end where Weaver has dominated during his young high school career.
As a junior, Weaver registered 78 total tackles including 16 tackles for loss and 12 sacks for Harding Academy, leading the Lions to a 9-3 record and trip to the semifinals of the Division II-A state playoffs.
As a sophomore, Weaver posted 40 tackles, six sacks and an interception. He's been named to the Memphis Commercial Appeal's Best of the Preps the last two years.
He's also an accomplished blocking tight end and has caught six touchdown passes over the last two seasons as well.
At only 17 years of age, many believe Weaver could grow into a monster player for the Commodores in the future. His off the field profile also fits what the school is looking for as he carries a 25 ACT score and places an emphasis on academics overall.
Programs from all over the country, including more than 20 from FBS programs, offered Weaver.
He chose the Commodores over Arkansas, but considered other programs such as Arizona State, Cincinnati, Clemson, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisville, Marshall, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Purdue, Tennessee, Virginia and Wake Forest.
Weaver becomes the 21st prospect to commit to Vanderbilt this summer and the fourth from the city of Memphis, joining Whitehaven standouts Gerald Perry and Darrius Sims as well as Memphis Central star receiver Latevius Rayford.