Clark Lea comments on Vanderbilt's quarterback plan against Florida

After announcing that starting quarterback AJ Swann is officially listed as questionable for Saturday’s SEC East showdown with Florida, Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea might have a tough decision on his hands. Should he go with his starter to start the season, Swann? Or, should he stick with the hot hand who helped him pick up the team’s first conference in over three years, backup Mike Wright? His answer; the person who gets them closer to victory.

“The person that gives us the best chance to win,” said Lea. “The reason I phrase it that way is obviously AJ is our starting quarterback, but there’s a certain level of preparation, there’s a certain level of investment that we expect each week to be prepared to play, particularly at this level. Particularly in the game like we’re gonna have on Saturday.

“Mike Wright is a proven winner for us, and he’s also been the starter here. So, we have complete confidence in Mike. So if AJ’s available but hasn’t had the time in the workshop, we’ll keep him as available, but we’ll allow it to be Mike’s show. If AJ’s able to work his way back and we feel like he puts together enough practice to retake that spot, we can certainly see a world where he would be out there for us.”

Swann has done a solid job at the starting quarterback position this season. The freshman from White, GA, has thrown for 1,195 yards, completing 104 of his 181 pass attempts, and sports a five to one touchdown to interception ratio (10:2). Wright is not too far off from the numbers Swann has put up. The junior has completed 68 of his 119 passes for 838 yards, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions. However, Wright is second on the team in rushing with 55 carries for 454 yards and tied for a team-high five rushing touchdowns.

For Lea, Saturday’s starter will be based on who gives him the best shot of winning. Fortunately, there are a few more days until he has to settle on a decision. Vanberbilt will take on Florida at home on Saturday with a 11 a.m. CST kickoff time. You can catch all the action on the SEC network.