Vanderbilt Commodores: Elites Vanganza As Speedy QB Sensation Among Top-Ranked 2024 Transfer Additions

As the Vanderbilt Commodores keep securing victories, quarterback Diego Pavia, a recent transfer, is drawing attention.

Pavia, who was the starting quarterback for the New Mexico State football team, joined Vanderbilt this offseason. Historically, players tend to leave Vanderbilt rather than join, but Pavia went against the trend and has expressed pride in his decision to make the move before the 2024 season began.

The skilled quarterback threw for nearly 3,000 yards last season and logged 26 passing touchdowns. On the ground, Pavia accumulated 928 rushing yards and seven touchdowns before entering the transfer portal. He averaged 5.2 yards per carry at New Mexico State and made a significant impact on the team.

Now, he’s carried that strong performance over to the Vanderbilt Commodores, competing at a higher and more competitive level.

Vanderbilt Commodores Quarterback Diego Pavia Primed For Big Second Half of Season

While Pavia has shown he can draw fans to the stadium, he has also demonstrated that his confidence is matched by strong performances on the field.

The Commodores haven’t had a flawless season, suffering a tough loss to Georgia State and an overtime defeat to Missouri. Nevertheless, both the team and Pavia have achieved some significant victories, including a stunning upset against the Alabama Crimson Tide. Additionally, Vanderbilt delivered a standout offensive display in their season opener against the Virginia Tech Hokies, setting a promising tone for what the 2024 Commodores are capable of.

Currently, Pavia has amassed 1,116 yards, 10 touchdowns, and just one interception this season. With a quarterback rating of 82, he ranks 14th in all of college football. On the ground, he has over 100 carries for 388 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns for the Commodores.

Despite operating behind an offensive line that leaves much to be desired, Pavia has been able to achieve a lot this season. He’s been sacked nearly two times per game, and still has to face tough opponents like #1 Texas, #8 LSU, and #11 Tennessee. While he might rack up significant sack numbers given the state of the Commodores’ offensive line, he also has the opportunity to maintain his offensive output.

Pavia averages 3.7 yards per rush this season, and considering the talent he has surrounding him, he could certainly improve his rushing stats in the season’s second half.

If Pavia can replicate his performance against Virginia Tech, where he recorded 104 yards and a touchdown, the Commodores could become a formidable opponent.