OFFENSE DEFENSE

The Vanderbilt offense made huge strides last season, though there was really nowhere to go but up. The Commodores averaged 4.3 yards a carry and gave up only 15 sacks. But defenses never respected any big-play threat and held Vanderbilt to just 36.8 percent on third down. A.J. Swann will have the keys to the offense from the outset and he’s a quality passer, but he’s no threat to break down the defense with his legs. Swann has an exceptional target in Will Sheppard who had 60 catches for 776 yards a year ago in a conservative attack. Jayden McGowan (44 catches, 452 yards) and Quincy Skinner Jr. (17, 238) also return, giving Swann an experienced group of receivers. Running back Ray Davis transferred to Kentucky, so the lead back will be Sedrick Alexander, a true freshman. The line will be pretty good; center Julian Hernandez is a hoss.

DEPTH

There isn’t much good to say about the Vanderbilt defense last season. Gave up 36 points a game, 5.2 yards per carry, 8.7 yards per pass, managed only 17 sacks and forced just 16 turnovers. There was no noticeable pass rush, which left a talented secondary struggling to keep up. But the addition of linebackers Aeneas DiCosmo from Stanford and Prince Kollie from Notre Dame gives the Commodores’ defense a chance to consistently get pressure on quarterbacks. Yilanan Ouattara and Christian James both hold up well inside, but there isn’t much depth for a reliable rotation. Linebacker CJ Taylor is a playmaker and Kane Patterson is reliable in the middle. The secondary is the most talented and experienced unit on the team. De’Rickey Wright is tough and plays with an attitude. Both Tyson Russell and BJ Anderson can be solid corners if there’s a decent pass rush.

Depth Chart

Special Teams

2023 Schedule Newcomers

Prince Kollie, LB — The transfer from Notre Dame is expected to bolster the pass rush.

Sedrick Alexander, RB — With the dearth of running backs on the roster, the starting job is Alexander’s to lose. But it’s not like he’s not worthy. He is a legit SEC talent.

Martel Hight, CB — Hight may be the most talented corner entering Vanderbilt in a while. He will get his feet wet this year and be ready to star in the future.

Aeneas DiCosmo, LB — The transfer from Stanford will help the woeful pass rush and contribute as an every down player.

Alabama

Tuscaloosa, AL

2022 RECORD: 11-2 (6-2)

FOUNDED: 1831

STADIUM: Bryant-Denny (101,821)