Five Vanderbilt football breakout candidates for 2022 include an emerging running back
Vanderbilt football returns 69% of its production from last year, fourth in the SEC. The problem is that the Commodores were 2-10 and didn't win a conference game; returning production isn't always a good thing. Still, Vanderbilt has several returning players who may not have produced in the past but have the goods to do so in the future.
Here are five breakout candidates among the returning players for the Commodores in 2022:
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1. BJ Anderson, CB
2021 stats: 3 GP, 3 tackles
Anderson has played in just 19 games in four years and hasn't produced when he's on the field. But as he's gotten further away from an injury that cost him the 2020 season, Anderson has had a strong camp and could earn significant playing time.
2. Patrick Smith, RB
2021 stats: 10 GP, 360 rushing yards on 82 attempts, 1 rushing TD, 16 receptions for 84 yards
Smith appeared to pass last year's starter Rocko Griffin on the depth chart. The sophomore has the ability to be both a traditional bruiser and a pass-catcher out of the backfield. He's unlikely to be the No. 1 back — that honor goes to Ray Davis — but Smith could become a very useful player.
3. Quincy Skinner, WR
2021 stats: 8 GP
Skinner played mostly on special teams in 2021 but is likely to play a much larger role in 2022. It will be difficult to replace Chris Pierce's production at receiver, but Skinner has the ability to develop into an impact player.
4. Gunnar Hansen, OT
2021 stats: Redshirted
Hansen has emerged as one of Vanderbilt's top linemen in the spring and fall and should start at a tackle spot. The Commodores' offensive line has really struggled, so having a young lineman they can develop will be imperative for the future.
5. Malik Langham, DL
2021 stats: 12 GP, 12 tackles, 2 TFLs, 1 sack
Langham got some run in 2021, but his production has been so-so. Listed at 296 pounds last year, Langham is now 308 pounds, which gives him true SEC size at nose tackle. He could anchor a defensive line that desperately needs to create more disruption.
Aria Gerson covers Vanderbilt athletics for The Tennessean. Contact her at agerson@gannett.com or on Twitter @aria_gerson.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Five Vanderbilt football breakout candidates for 2022 season
