By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com

Follow us at Twitter.com/SouthernPigskin.  Become a fan at the SouthernPigskin.com Facebook Page

What James Franklin is pitching, the opportunity he is taking to the streets, isn’t one modest in merit.

When James Franklin was hired as the eventual replacement to Bobby Johnson at Vanderbilt, many asked the question: what could he possibly do that his predecessors couldn’t? While Franklin will be following a one-year stint by former assistant Robbie Caldwell, the end of Johnson’s era will be the measuring stick.

During his career in Nashville, Johnson took the Commodores to their first bowl game since 1982 and brought the school their first postseason victory since 1955. Three years ago he got Vanderbilt into the national top 25. That same season, ESPN College Gameday was live on campus the day of a nationally-televised game with Auburn.

Franklin was hired after being the offensive coordinator and head-coach-waiting at Maryland. Even as early as his introductory press conference, his vision was clear.

“You can walk in to a young man’s home, you can offer something to their family that very few schools can. He does not have to choose, he does not have to sacrifice, that he can have the best of everything, which is a world-class education and an opportunity to play in the best college football conference in America,” the 39-year old explained. “To me, that’s something to be really proud of. That’s something to build on. That’s something you can sell.”

Settled in with his staff assembled, with February 2011 serving as a dry run, Franklin and his team have taken the Vanderbilt name to the open road. With six commitments for 2012, including four four-star prospects per ESPN.com, Franklin has taken the program into the national spotlight as well. Recently released summer class rankings by ESPN, certainly subject to change, have the Commodores ranked in the national top 25. Vanderbilt checks in at 24th, one spot behind divisional rival Georgia and one spot ahead of divisional rival South Carolina.

Defensive end Stephen Weatherly currently headlines the class, a 6’4” athlete with 4.47 speed. He chose the Commodores over Georgia Tech, NC State, Ole Miss, Purdue and others. Linebacker Darreon Herring chose Vanderbilt despite offers from Arkansas, Clemson, Nebraska and West Virginia. Linebacker Jacob Sealand turned down Miami, South Carolina and Virginia Tech.

Five of the program’s six current verbals are from greater-Atlanta. That part of Georgia is traditionally home to some of the top prep talent in the country. Franklin seems well-aware. Many of his future targets reside in the metro area. The first-year head coach isn’t shying away from jumping right into the SEC recruiting tussle. He believes what he can offer student-athletes sets him apart from the rest.

What Franklin is pitching, the opportunity he is taking to the streets, isn’t one modest in merit. Franklin has been successful with his early efforts, at least in part, because he himself is genuinely enthralled with the school that has hired him.

“I didn’t play division-one football, so I didn’t go through the recruiting process, but I was fired up. I was sold. Like I mentioned before, I had a really good job and I didn’t need to leave. It was going to be something that blew me away and that’s what happened,” he added when introduced.

This Vanderbilt team, this coaching staff isn’t ready to settle for seconds in the SEC. How can they possibly compete? What can they offer? Franklin, enthusiastic but focused, seemingly has the all of the answers.

“I’m passionate about walking into a home, being able to sit down with the family and being able to explain to that family and that young man that we can provide something that nobody else can. From an academic standpoint, from a relationship standpoint with our coaching staff and they can be a part of a great community right here in Nashville, one of the greatest cities in America. To me, what it comes down to, and the reason we’ve had success, is that it’s about relationships and it’s about trust,” he continued.

Many assume that with Vanderbilt football history is bound to repeat itself. Franklin has a different story to tell; this recruiting season, it’s him doing most of the repeating.