A Quiet Competition in Nashville
Vanderbilt’s preseason camp entered its second week on the campus of Nashville, Tennessee, and head coach Clark Lea is still searching for a clear answer at quarterback. The Commodores have completed nine practices since camp began on August 5, but the starting role remains undecided.
After the first scrimmage, Lea trimmed the competition to two candidates — Jared Curtis and Blaze Berlowitz — while still keeping Jack Elliot and Whit Muschamp in the mix for depth. He had originally hoped to name a starter by the end of that first scrimmage, but the evaluation proved more nuanced.
Both signal callers delivered solid performances, yet Lea emphasized that a single strong practice is not enough. He wants to see consistent execution over multiple sessions before committing to a starter, underscoring the importance of reliability.
Curtis stood out during the most recent scrimmage, showcasing sharper decision‑making and a handful of creative throws that caught the coaching staff’s eye. His improved execution and creativity marked his best day on the field so far.
Looking Ahead to August 22
The Commodores will reconvene for another controlled scrimmage on August 22, a milestone that Lea says will provide the final data set before the team shifts focus to the season opener against Austin Peay. The upcoming session will be crucial for separating the contenders.
Offensive coordinator Tim Beck will join Lea in the evaluation panel, using the remaining bench‑control work to fine‑tune the starter’s role and ensure the offense is ready for game‑day responsibilities. The decision will ultimately rest on sustained consistency rather than isolated flashes of brilliance.