The 2024 college football season has found its annual darling. The Vanderbilt Commodores, the usual bottom dwellers in the SEC, have found life in head coach Clark Lea’s third season, mostly due to an aggressive defense and the play of senior quarterback Diego Pavia.
Pavia’s football life is fascinating, to say the least. The under-recruited journeyman transferred to Vanderbilt after two impressive seasons at New Mexico State under head coach Jerry Kill, who is now a consultant with the Commodores.
Developing into a true duel-threat option, Pavia has been a problem for defenses, already throwing for 973 yards and eight touchdowns while running for 335 yards and two scores through five games. Pavia and the Commodores made headlines last weekend after defeating the then-No. 1-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide, which was the program’s first win vs. a No. 1-ranked team since 1977.
Pavia is quickly becoming a household name due to his passion and love of the game. At the same time, several previous interviews have noted that his quarterback here is Texas A&M legend Johnny Manziel, whom Pavia learned from as a young man.
On Wednesday, during an ESPN College Football interview segment, Manziel surprised the quarterback by complimenting him on his play this season, as the 3-2 Commodores have an opportunity to take down another No. 1-ranked program in the Texas Longhorns later this month. Here is the full segment courtesy of On3 and ESPN.
Johnny Manziel surprised Vandy QB Diego Pavia during an interview with ESPN🔥
(via @ESPNCFB) https://t.co/Fi0P1NRnt4 pic.twitter.com/8jMoTAeEpq
— On3 (@On3sports) October 9, 2024
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