Head coach talks Rapheal Webb

Vanderbilt was hoping to add a running back to this year's class and they ended up receiving a commitment from one of the Sunshine State's finest in Rapheal Webb. The 5-foot-10, 190-pound running back from Gainesville (Fla.) had narrowed his choices to Minnesota, Florida Atlantic, and Boston College, before the VU staff came in with an offer in the final week leading up to National Signing Day.

Vanderbilt was hoping to add a running back to this year's class and they ended up receiving a commitment from one of the Sunshine State's finest in Rapheal Webb. The 5-foot-10, 190-pound running back from Gainesville (Fla.) had narrowed his choices to Minnesota, Florida Atlantic, and Boston College, before the Commodore staff came in with an offer in the final week leading up to National Signing Day. Gainesville head football coach, James Thomson spoke with VandyMania.com about his star athlete.

"Rapheal's a winner," said James Thomson. "That's really the best way I can describe him. He's really a complete back. I mean he's got a fast gear to hit the perimeter and he's also strong enough to run you over. His best attributes are his elusiveness, he's very hard to catch, and his balance, he stays on his feet and isn't easy to bring down.

"He was a two year starter for us. This year we made it all the way to the 6A state championship game and he really was the guy who stepped up and carried us there. He rushed for more than 2,000 yards on the season and was All-State, All-County, All-Region. He's also a great individual off the field. What stands out to me the most about Rapheal is his leadership ability."

Coach Thomson said Webb and several classmates including Chris Thompson (Florida) and Keith Kelsey Jr. (Louisville) will be signing at the school at 3:00 P.M. ET on Wednesday. The Gainesville Hurricanes made a long run in the Florida Class 6A playoffs in 2012 but lost at the Citrus Bowl to Miami-Central on December 15th to finish 14-1.