Cutler doesn't expect No. 1 from media

But when asked whether or not he'd get the same nod Friday when the media's all-conference team is announced, the Vanderbilt senior said he already knew what his chances would be.

''I won't be first team,'' Cutler said. ''I'll put everything I've got on it. There's no possible way. I'll be second team, maybe third team.''

When asked if Florida junior quarterback Chris Leak would be the first-team quarterback, Cutler replied with a smirk, ''We all know who's going to be first team in the media poll.''

Cutler has spent the last three seasons as Vanderbilt's starting quarterback, but playing in relative anonymity. And it has nothing to do with his on-the-field performances.

It's just hard to get noticed when your team has never won more than two games during your tenure as the quarterback. Cutler is 6-29 in three seasons.

That's why he puts much more stock in the coaches' opinions, rather than that of the media.

''It's nice to be honored by your peers that see you day in and day out and watch all the film and really know the ins and outs of football," Cutler said, "especially with the likes of Chris (Leak) and (Alabama's) Brodie (Croyle) out there. But it's preseason. Hopefully, I can be there at the end of the season, as well.

''It's tough, especially with the lack of wins we get and how valued wins are at the quarterback position. But it's the coaches. They see things differently. They're going on talent and what they do for the team, so it's an honor.''

Cutler is the SEC's most experienced quarterback, poised to break a host of Vanderbilt career passing and total offense records before he leaves.

Last season, he became just the third Vanderbilt player in the last 50 years to complete 60 percent of his passes. The fifth-year senior threw for 1,844 yards and 10 touchdowns, with just five interceptions. He went eight straight games without throwing an interception, a streak that covered 176 consecutive passes.

Since taking over as the Commodores quarterback, Cutler has dazzled Vandy fans with his feet, his arm, and his toughness. He is fourth on the school's all-time passing list (5,624 yards), third in rushing yards by a quarterback (1,041), and third in total offense (6,665).

''He's a complete quarterback,'' Vandy coach Bobby Johnson said. ''He has got size, he has got strength, arm strength. He can run. He knows what our offense is trying to achieve every time he goes out on the field. He's tough. If you've seen us play the last three years, he's taken some hits. I don't know what else you can want in a quarterback.''

The only other thing Cutler wants is some 'W's.' He thought that was going to happen last season, when many predicted the Commodores would challenge for a bowl bid. But after losing five games by a total of 15 points, the Commodores saw themselves staring at a 2-9 season.

In his final year, Cutler is intent on changing Vandy's losing ways.

''I've had a lot of positive things happen to me there,'' Cutler said. ''We've got to win some football games now. That's the kind of legacy I want to leave, to be one of the guys on the team that helped turn things around.''

After last season, Cutler flirted with the idea of entering the NFL draft. After doing his research and learning that he'd likely be taken in the middle rounds, the 6-4, 228-pounder opted to return for a fifth season, a decision Johnson was pleased to hear.

''I think that tells you volumes about Jay Cutler,'' Johnson said. ''It would have been very easy for him to go into the NFL draft and leave Vanderbilt behind. I tell you, I have the utmost respect for his loyalty and his priorities and just the kind of character he has.''

Cutler's 2004 season had a strong finish despite him having to play the final two games on a bum ankle. He brought his team back from a 22-point deficit against Tennessee before the Commodores fell, 38-33. In that game, Cutler completed 22 of 33 passes for a season-high 314 yards and three touchdowns.

''I loved it,'' Cutler said. ''Being a quarterback, you want to throw the ball as much as possible. To have success with it as well was definitely fun. We've got most of the same guys back offensively, and the same talent, so we can emphasize that and spread it out some more.''

If so, perhaps Cutler will land on the postseason's first team, all-SEC list, as well.

Both coaches and media.