Vanderbilt's Larry Smith has edge in race for quarterback job

Smith, who is in competition with senior Jared Funk and junior-college transfer Jordan Rodgers, has been noticeably more accurate with his throws and decisive with his reads than he was during a rocky 2009 season and a disappointing spring. The junior can see improvement in his play, and so can Coach Robbie Caldwell. "Our quarterback picture is clearing up," said Caldwell, who has yet to name his starter. "It's just kind of like we thought. The older ones are stepping forward and taking charge. Larry,has had an excellent last couple of days. He's been a good leader and he's checking into the right plays, and he should be. You know, he's got the experience. It's kind of what we thought." Funk also has looked sharp and more comfortable than in years past, when he was further down the depth chart. But unseating Smith at this stage seems unlikely. "I'm feeling pretty good and I'm feeling pretty accurate right now," Smith said. "I really feel like the off-season, throwing with the receivers every day, improved my accuracy. I'm going to try to continue that leading into the season."