A college football insider sat in amazement at a question answered by Vanderbilt graduate transfer quarterback Diego Pavia. Find out what happened. As the season approaches, you will see more interviews with Power Four school stars.
With fall camp buzzing through the media and players’ minds, these candid interactions tend to show a less reserved and polished view of players. Remember, many of these conversations happen after practice. The players are exhausted. If you play for a Southern school, chances remain high that you just practiced under a sweltering sun.
Vanderbilt Commodores QB Diego Pavia Stuns CFB Analyst Paul Finebaum
Pavia does not lack confidence and belief in his abilities. Those beliefs helped to get him where he is today. Coming out of high school, coaches believed that Pavia did not meet the athletic profile of a quarterback. While he possessed heart and grit, he lacked height, speed, and arm talent, three qualities that many hold in the highest esteem.
That led him to junior college, then New Mexico State, where he won Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year, and ultimately Vanderbilt. As a result, when Pavia speaks, he appears direct and to the point. His recent appearance on the “Paul Finebaum Show” showed Pavia in what many believe is his most authentic self.
“I like my team. You ask me who the best wide receiver in the country is, and I will tell you someone on my team. If you ask me who the best O-lineman is, I’m going to tell you someone on my team. Same thing with safeties, DBs, everything. And the best quarterback, would that be you? You’re looking at him.”
Finebaum could do nothing but smile and take a beat to recollect himself. Now, many stand out if you’re looking around the SEC at the other quarterbacks. D.J. Lagway at Florida is a mobile, strong-armed passer who engineered the Gators getting to and winning a bowl, saving head coach Billy Napier’s job.
Meanwhile, experts think that LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier, who led the conference in attempts and completions, could make a run at the Heisman. Similarly, Arch Manning at the University of Texas completed 67.8% of his throws in limited action and is the full-time starter in Austin.
The quarterback above shares something that eluded Pavia. Scouting services ranked them all as at least four-star recruits. Pavia didn’t have a single FBS offer. He consistently carries that attitude with him wherever he goes.
Earlier in the interview, he told Finebaum that his goal is to win a national championship in Nashville. The host tried to make light. In blunt terms, Pavia said to him that he was not joking and displayed a look of complete seriousness.
Is Pavia the best quarterback in the conference? No one truly knows until the games start. However, he gives Vanderbilt the confidence to compete in the SEC and surprise more teams like they did Alabama last year. Can Pavia continue to manifest his confidence into wins?
