NASHVILLE, Tenn.–Commodore fans received good news Monday when standout quarterback
Jay Cutler announced he would return for his final year of eligibility.
The native of Santa Claus, Ind., made the announcement during a press
conference in the McGugin Athletic Center.
“I
am extremely excited about what is happening here, and I have decided
to stay one more year,” Cutler said. “There is some stuff that I want
to get done here… obviously I‘d like to win more games.”
Cutler ranks among the Commodore career leaders for every passing
record. Barring injury, Cutler likely will become the Vanderbilt leader
in total offense, passing yardage, touchdown passes and combined
touchdowns during the 2005 season.
Head Coach Bobby Johnson praised the three-year starter. “All of us
associated with the Vanderbilt football program are extremely pleased
that Jay is returning for his senior season,” Johnson said. “One of the
best players in our (Southeastern) conference just decided to return
for his final year. To say the least, we are delighted.
“The leadership Jay brings to our team cannot be overstated. Plus,
this gives us a chance to continue to build our offense around an
outstanding football player. This is great news for our program,”
Johnson said.
The three-year starter, who has 34 career starts on his collegiate
resume, ranked among the SEC leaders in passing yardage, passing
efficiency, total offense and rushing touchdowns by a quarterback. An
SEC coaches‘ preseason all-conference recipient in 2004, Cutler became
just the second Vanderbilt quarterback in 35 years to complete more
than 60% of his passes. Cutler also threw just five interceptions on
the season ñ the lowest total ever by a Vanderbilt quarterback with a
minimum of 200 attempts. 
During an eight-game stretch in 2004, Cutler threw 176 consecutive passes without an interception.
The dual-threat standout, a two-time team captain, also ranked among
the Commodores‘ top rushers. He finished third on the squad with 349
net rushing yards, and scored a team-high six rushing touchdowns, tops
by a quarterback in the Southeastern Conference.
More Quotes from Cutler:
Cutler talked about the decision to return for his senior season following what he termed a “positive” draft evaluation. “I
didn‘t want to make a quick decision. I wanted to take time to think
about, get a chance to talk to some people close to this organization
and talk to others with no ties to this organization at all. There
were a lot of different opinions, but I really believe this is the best
one. It‘s definitely in the best interests of myself and this team to
return for my final year.”
Talking about the program, Cutler said he was excited about his final season.
“we are getting good recruits in here and this coaching staff is doing
everything they can to make me a better player and this team better and
more competitive. I‘m excited about next year and ready to get back to
work.”
Media contact: Larry Leathers, 343-6437
larry.leathers@vanderbilt.edu