SEC Football: Biggest offseason question for every team

Dec 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide players celebrate winning the trophy after the SEC Championship college football game against the Florida Gators at Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Florida 54-16. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 14, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores safety Oren Burks (20) celebrates intercepting a touchdown pass that was intended for Kentucky Wildcats wide receiver Dorian Baker (2) (not pictured) during the first half at Vanderbilt Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /

Vanderbilt Commodores, 6-7 (3-5)

Can Vandy replace Zach Cunningham’s production?

Vanderbilt may never have an explosive offense while Derek Mason is the head coach, but running back Ralph Webb and quarterback Kyle Shurmur give the Commodores promise for the unit in 2017.

On the other hand, given Mason’s prowess as a defensive coach, Vandy should always be good on that side of the football. But the big question entering the summer is whether Mason can find a way to replace the production linebacker Zach Cunningham gave the ‘Dores over his three seasons in Nashville.

One of the most underrated players in the entire country, Cunningham led Vanderbilt with 125 tackles and 16.5 tackles for loss last year. A two-time All-SEC performer that also received some All-American consideration, Chris Burke of Sports Illustrated recently ranked Cunningham as the No. 20 prospect in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Oren Burks is expected to move from the safety/linebacker hybrid Star position to one of the two spots inside. In terms of overall talent, he’s the closest Mason has to Cunningham. Last season, Burks ranked fourth on the team with 59 total tackles and ranked second with 3.5 sacks while also contributing an interception and a forced fumble. Jordan Griffin, Charles Wright and Emmanuel Smith are also candidates to start in the linebacker corps.

However, even if Burks and company steps in and Vanderbilt can replace Cunningham’s statistical production, there will still be work to do. With Cunningham, Vanderbilt allowed 5.9 yards per play last season, which ranked ninth in the SEC and 82^nd nationally. In order for the Commodores to make it back to a bowl game, that number needs to go down.

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