Clark Lea praises Diego Pavia, his role as connector for Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia emerged as one of the breakout personalities in all of college football last season, highlighted by his stellar performance in the Commodores 40-35 upset win over the then No.

1 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide.

After passing for 2,293 yards, 20 touchdowns and just four interceptions in 2024, Pavia was named SEC Newcomer of the Year.Pavia helped guild the Does to their best season in over a decade, as they compiled a 7-6 record and downed Georgia Tech 35-27 in the Birmingham Bowl to earn their first seven-win season since 2013 (James Franklins last season before departing to Penn State).Prior to last seasons success, it had been a dark decade for the program.

Following Franklins departure, Vanderbilt went just 12-69 in SEC play from 2014-2023 with just three wins coming against a ranked conference foe (No.

24 Tennessee in 2016, No.

22 Missouri in 2019 and No.

24 Kentucky in 2022).With the former New Mexico State transfer back in the saddle this season, expectations are high again for the program.

Head coach Clark Leadiscussed the importance of Pavia at a media opportunity this week.He hasnt changed for someone having awareness for what a year in the SEC is like, Lea said.

The teams response to him a year ago...

they were still building those connections.

I think its a totally different feel that way and theyll tell you.

Those guys are constantly talking to me about how close this team is and I felt like last year we were close.These guys hang out together and spend time in the building together and obviously enjoy competition together.

Then theyre hanging out away from the building too and I dont think thats for just a series a clicks.

I think this group spends a lot of time with a lot of the team members away from the building.

That goes a long way.We talk about relatedness being our edge, and I think Diego is a key cog in that.

Hes such a connector and his confidence.

A year ago it was quarterback competition stuff.

He hasnt had to deal with that (this year).

Hes been able to build connection with teammates, receivers, offensive and defensive players.

Ive seen that happen so there seems to be just a real cross the ball connection.

Weve had a really spirited camp but we havent had any times weve had to stop practice because theyve done a nice job of being at the edge and not over and competing at the right angle.I credit (Diego) with a lot of that maturity in our locker room and connection in our locker room.

Being year two I think hes settled in now and knows what to expect.

I think hes really comfortable here in the right ways.I hope that also shows up for us in the way we play and again this is a long season.

Were on the front end of the marathon, but that kind of connection, comfortability and knowing what to expect from the quarterback helps a bunch.Vanderbilt and its headline-grabbing quarterback open the 2025 season on Aug.

30 against Charleston Southern.

Kick-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM on ESPN+/SEC Network+..

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