The 2024 season was the best in over a decade for the Vanderbilt Commodores, 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 Franklin‘s last season before departing to Penn State). Although SEC Newcomer of the Year Diego Pavia led […]
The 2024 season was the best in over a decade for the Vanderbilt Commodores, 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 Franklin‘s last season before departing to Penn State).
Although SEC Newcomer of the Year Diego Pavia led the ‘Dores in both passing and rushing, Vanderbilt boasted two extremely talented running backs in Sedrick Alexander and AJ Newberry. Alexander rushed for 586 yards and six touchdowns last season (two of which came in 40-35 win over No. 1 Alabama), while Newberry rushed for 185 yards and three scores. Both backs return to the program this season.
Head coach Clark Leacalled on the Vanderbilt running back group to develop chemistry and improve on Tuesday before its season opener against Charleston Southern on Aug. 30. The Commodores averaged 139.8 rush yards per game last season, 13th best in the SEC.
“I don’t know that it’s where we want it to be,” Lea said. “I think again when I get frustrated with our attitude today, some of that is staying positive (we obviously want to stay positive in our demeanor) but I’m talking more about positive yards. 1st & 10 to 2nd & 6. 1st & 10 to 2nd & 5. Today it was 1st & 10 and 2nd & 8 and 1st & 10 and 2nd & 9. Those aren’t winning situations for the offense. That is about us moving people against their will, so we haven’t been synced up all the way yet.”
Vanderbilt boasts five talented running backs in room this season
“I think we’ve had flashes and moments. I think that group has got to come together. We have added people that I think enhance our physical profile but it’s about chemistry and being on the same page. Those things take time and I don’t think we’re where we want to be run game wise yet. I think defensively we’re a little further ahead of where we’ve been, but I expect the battle in the trenches for us to be very competitive here moving forward.”
Along with Alexander, Newberry, redshirt junior back Chase Gillespie and redshirt freshman back Jamezell Lassiter returning, Vanderbilt hauled in New Mexico State transfer running back Makhilyn Young from the Transfer Portal this offseason. Young recorded 191 rush yards on 28 carries for the Aggies last season.
With Pavia returning at quarterback this season, he is once again expected to be Vanderbilt‘s No. 1 option on the ground but the Commodore running back room seems to be as deep as its been in a while.
Category: General Sports
