Vanderbilt’s football squad completed its most extensive practice yet at the McGugin Center, a session that coach Clark Lea described as one of the healthiest since the start of camp six days earlier.
Early Camp Insights
Quarterback Jared Curtis took a step toward assuming full command of the offense, showcasing a moment in which he deceived a safety for a sizable gain, though a few throws still fell short of expectations.
The defensive side of the ball continued to outpace the offense, with run concepts frequently stymied and downfield passes hampered by sharp cornerback coverage.
Running back Sedrick Alexander proved reliable in short‑yardage drills, even as the defensive line generated notable pressure, while receiver Cole Spence served as a consistent safety‑blanket option for the quarterbacks.
Among the newcomers, Kahden Smith’s development earned him more reps, and freshman Izayah Lee appears to be carving out a clearer path to playing time, while a junior wide receiver emerged as the most productive pass catcher, underscoring the depth at that position.
Veteran tight end Walter Taylor and sophomore Kayleb Barnett were limited in their participation, while freshman back Izayah Lee’s trajectory suggests he could see more snaps than shifty Evan Hampton, who lacks vertical dimension.