Vanderbilt football offensive preview: New-look offense looks suited to run behind Sedrick Alexander, others
- Vanderbilt will replace Diego Pavia with Blaze Berlowitz and Jared Curtis, with Berlowitz bringing four years in the system, zone-read value and the most consistent short-to-intermediate passing from camp.
- A run-first approach is likely behind all-around lead back Sedrick Alexander, explosive MK Young and freshman camp standout Evan Hampton, with Alexander deliberately preserved during camp to keep him fresh.
- Wide receiver is Vanderbilt's most uncertain offensive room after August consistency and health problems, including Junior Sherrill's fall drops, Ja'Cory Thomas's spring leg injury and two missed August weeks for Cole Adams.
- Vanderbilt will replace Eli Stowers through a committee led by reliable Cole Spence, big-play transfer Jayvontay Conner and converted quarterback Walter Taylor, whose size gives him red-zone value despite limited tight-end experience.
- Vanderbilt expects to run behind guard Cade McConnell and Pitt transfer center Lyndon Cooper, while experienced transfers Clinton Azubuike, Orion Irving and Beau Johnson provide the leading tackle options.
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REACTION to Vanderbilt football's Week 1 depth chart: Here's what's on it, and what may surprise you
- Vanderbilt lists Blaze Berlowitz as its opening quarterback with freshman Jared Curtis at No. 2 for the Austin Peay game.
- Sedrick Alexander leads the running-back depth chart ahead of MK Young and Jamezell Lassiter, while fall-camp standout Evan Hampton appears only among the kickoff returners.
- Brycen Coleman won a starting receiver role after the room's strongest fall camp, while Cole Adams fell to the second team after missing roughly two weeks with illness and injury.
- Orion Irving secured a starting tackle job after arriving in better condition, and Kevo Wesley moved ahead at guard after Micah DeBose missed about a week and a half with an early-camp injury.
- Vanderbilt lists Carson Lawrence or Mason Lewis at Star as part of its base 11, reflecting the defense's expectation of facing frequent three- and four-receiver formations.
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