Jake Bernstein (Crystal Lake, Ill./Crystal Lake South) wanted to make his verbal commitment before the start of the season and he did that with three days to spare. Bernstein gave his verbal commitment to Vanderbilt Tuesday night and there were several factors that helped him choose the Commodores. "In the end it came down to Vanderbilt and Minnesota and I picked Vanderbilt because of the academics and the coaching staff," said the 6-foot-4, 280-pound offensive lineman. "I felt very comfortable with [offensive line coach Herb Hand]. I feel that coach Hand is going to challenge me and make me a better football player. I really enjoyed Nashville on my visit and Vanderbilt plays in the SEC and that's the best football in America. Now I can concentrate on my senior season."