A 5-star flip, a veteran in Tim Beck’s system and no quick QB call at Vanderbilt
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Vanderbilt Commodores wrap up spring practice as only the first step in coach Clark Lea's process of picking a new starting quarterback to replace Diego Pavia. Vanderbilt stunned recruiting circles last November when five-star quarterback Jared Curtis flipped his commitment to Georgia to stay close to home playing for the Commodores, prompting the assumption he would simply slide into the starting lineup.
Yet Vanderbilt also has senior Blaze Berlowitz, junior Whit Muschamp and sophomore Jack Elliott, and Lea says all have had their moments as practice concludes Saturday with the Black and Gold game. “This is going to be a process of elimination," Lea said. The Commodores have plenty of time ahead with summer workouts and fall camp before the season opens Sept.
5 against Austin Peay. “I’ve got a true freshman that is learning how to play in college,” Lea said of Curtis. "We all see the tools and the skills, and we believe in that.
And I need to give him as much time as possible to learn the system and to really be able to compete. And we’re going to do that. ” Taking as much time as possible will be prudent with the lack of college experience among this group.
Berlowitz has played the most in Vanderbilt's offense. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound senior appeared in six games last season completing 9 of 17 passes for 131 yards and a touchdown. He also ran 11 times for 81 yards and another score.