This year, in lieu of a full spring game, Vanderbilt football is holding a three-game scrimmage series at local high schools. The first of those scrimmages will be Saturday at Lipscomb Academy.
The scrimmage is closed to the public, but it's a way for the Commodores to see where they stand on a roster facing significant turnover. Most notably, Vanderbilt lost all three passing quarterbacks and its top three receivers in 2023. But there was also some personnel turnover on defense, with coach Clark Lee taking over the play-calling duties himself and looking to inject more talent through the transfer portal.
It remains to be seen whether this turnover is a good or bad thing for a team like the Commodores, who won just two games last year. The 2023 roster was definitely not good enough and some changes were needed. However, Vanderbilt lost some of its most talented players, many of whom went to other SEC schools.
Here's what the Commodores will look for in their first scrimmage.
What's the quarterback competition like at Vanderbilt?
Vanderbilt has three scholarship quarterbacks in spring ball. Utah State transfer Nate Johnson has arm talent, athleticism and running ability, but is inconsistent. Drew Dickey, the only remaining member of the 2023 team, did not attempt a pass. Blaise Berlowitz, a transfer from New Mexico State, also has some interesting tools.
They aren't the only starting quarterbacks. Diego Pavia, a transfer from New Mexico State, and freshmen Jeremy Sanhilaire and Whit Muschamp will join the team in the fall. But for now, scrimmage play will provide further opportunity to evaluate Dickey, Johnson and Berlowitz.
QBS detailsWhat you need to know so far about the renovated quarterback room at Vanderbilt football's spring practice
What can Vanderbilt's new defenseman do?
Vanderbilt lost key pieces of its defense to graduation and the portal, particularly linebackers Cain Patterson and Ethan Barr and safety Jalen Mahoney. But on defense, there was far more addition than subtraction.
The Commodores are particularly excited about pass rusher Korde Sydner, who transferred from Purdue. Defensive line coach Jovan Hay compared him to former Vanderbilt star Dayo Odeyingbo.
“Codae is different,” Hay said Thursday. “We acquired him on a transfer. He's a veteran leader, a very talented player, we call him Dayo 2.0. He's crazy because he moves on the fly like he does.”
Two other defensive players who have impressed the staff are Wyoming transfer corner Colby Taylor and TCU transfer linebacker/safety Landon Fontenette. The two join a second group that already has plenty of returning experience, including Martell Hite, Trudell Berry, CJ Taylor and four-star freshman Donte Carter.
“Colby Taylor, I think he had a really great spring,” Lee said. “And I think there are some things he has to adjust to and he has to continue to strengthen his process.”
Battle of kicks and punts
Vanderbilt will lose starting kicker Jacob Borsilla and starting punter Matt Hayball, as well as starting long snapper Julian Ashby.
Scrimmages allow special teams some game-like repetition and give the staff a greater opportunity to evaluate options at those positions.
The Commodores transferred Furman long snapper Julian Ashby and Ohio State punter Jesse Mirko for punter and long snapper.
At kicker, the battle will primarily be between returning players Will Farris, a third-year senior, and Brock Taylor, a redshirt freshman. Vanderbilt also has walk-on kicker Mason Lohmiller.
Alia Gerson covers Vanderbilt athletics for The Tennessean. Contact her at agerson@gannett.com or on her Twitter @Alia Garson.
