Clark Lea believes Vanderbilt defense is in ‘really good place’

Vanderbilt’s defense was one of the worst units on that side of the football in the entire sport last season, which continues a trend for them from over the past few seasons. Still, heading into their second year under DC Nick Howell and after doing a lot of work in that aspect, Clark Lea likes where the Commodores are at the end of the spring.

Lea spoke about Vandy’s defense as they came out of this part of their year last month. He said, although there’s still plenty more to do, they’ve committed a lot into improving that group as far as work in the area as well as development and acquisitions of players who can help them be better.

“Well, we’ve spent a lot of time on it. I mean I think both as a staff and with the players too,” said Lea. “I think we’re in a really good place, you know.”

“We have a lot of work left ahead of us. You know, I think we have some talented players. We’ve added some talented players that have helped us on the field already,” Lea said. “I think it’s about growing in comfort in the system through the summer and ironing out the details.”

Getting on the same page has as much to do with is as anything to Lea. While he knows they may not be the best each and every game, they give themselves a better chance by at least doing what they scheme and maximizing their players in that way.

“For us to win? Again, we’re not going to be able to just roll the ball out and play. It’s got to be a high level of awareness, a high level of execution,” said Lea. “We’ve got to get the absolute best out of every player we have in this program. So that’s what we’ll do.”

Vanderbilt finished 129th out of 133 teams last season in points allowed per game at 36.2. That’s because they allowed 28 or more points in all but one game in 2023. That includes giving up 31 or more in their final 10 and allowing 39.6 per conference matchup. It was a fourth straight season that their defense finished outside the Top-110 in that category.

That also comes after allowing over four touchdowns a game with their opponent’s average yardage being at 454.9 a contest at 6.5 yards per play.

The Commodores have done what they can to this point to be better on the defensive end for this fall. Then, after they take a little time off the field, Lea says they’ll get back to it to ensure that it is corrected in time for kickoff.

“I’m pleased with the work. It has been 15 practices but it has been five weeks of grinding,” Lea said. “I’ll look forward to, hopefully, putting my feet up for a little bit here and then getting right back at it.”