We're running a 32-athlete, single-elimination tournament to find Vanderbilt's biggest star. Voting for the first round of the Jay Cutler Regional begins Monday, Jan. 14 at 8 a.m. and ends Tuesday, Jan. 15 at 5 p.m.
1) Earl Bennett (67%)
Junior, Football
Wide Receiver
-SEC's all-time leader in receptions (236)
-Biletnikoff Award semi-finalist, first team All-SEC
-Recently declared for NFL Draft
-No. 10 football jersey most popular among students
8) Leigh-Ann Axt (33%)
Freshman, Swimming
-Has won 12 individual races in IM and butterfly this season
-Leader of the second-year program
-Has a bright future with black and gold
The Hustler's take: Axt is going to have a fine career on West End, but she's a major underdog against Bennett, the prolific wide receiver who's on his way to the NFL.
4) Ross Neltner (44%)
Senior, Basketball
Power forward
-Two-year starter for nationally ranked Commodores
-"Nelly" does the "little things" every team needs
-Played center for last season's Sweet 16 squad
-Averaging 7.9 points and 5.5 rebounds per game
5) Sarah Dennis (56%)
Senior, Soccer
Forward
-Scored four goals and added two assists in '07
-Four-year starter on a successful team
-Also an accomplished artist; paints murals around Nashville
The Hustler's take: The "4-5" matchup is always the toughest, and this one is no exception. Neltner has been the Commodores' "glue guy," while the multi-talented Dennis excels on the pitch and in the studio.
2) A.J. Ogilvy (84%)
Freshman, Basketball
Center
-Australian sensation averaging 19.4 points and 7.1 rebounds per game
-Potential SEC Freshman of the Year and future NBA draft pick
-Australian flag seen in student section for every game
-One of Vandy's most recognizable athletes
7) Margie Curran (16%)
Senior, Lacrosse
Attack
-Team-high 50 goals and 14 assists (64 points) in '07
-Second team All-American
-Fifth all-time in both goals and points
-Helped Commodores host first NCAA Tournament game in school history
The Hustler's Take: Curran has a chance to become the best lacrosse player in school history, but it will be tough for her to knock off Ogilvy, the center with a killer game and sweet accent.
3) Jacqui Concolino (53%)
Junior, Golf
-All-American recorded 10 top-10 finishes in 12 events in '07
-Won the NCAA Central Regional
-Named Team USA's MVP in U.S.A. vs. Japan Collegiate Golf Championship
-Good chance we'll see her on the LPGA Tour sometime soon
6) Ryan Preston (47%)
Senior, Tennis
-Two-time first team All-SEC selection
-Ranked No. 24 in the ITA southeast region singles poll
-No. 1 player for team that advanced to NCAA Tournament
The Hustler's Take: Preston has had a great career, but it'll be difficult for him to upset Concolino, a future star on the LPGA Tour.
