Clark Lea reveals why Vanderbilt held Diego Pavia out of spring game

Diego Pavia did not participate in Vanderbilt‘s annual spring game on Saturday. However, it wasn’t because of injury, Commodores head coach Clark Lea revealed.

Instead, Lea simply wanted to rest his star quarterback, and some of the other veteran talent on his roster this spring. He explained his reasoning during his postgame press conference following the spring game.

“There were a few players that we wanted to at least give the option, and really on our end, there’s more to lose than to gain,” Lea said. “Diego’s had a good spring. We’ve limited him a bunch in scrimmage opportunities. I think getting through the bulk of the work was important, but there was nothing he was going to do today that was going to help us win in the fall. That was the reason.

“There were other guys that, if I had it my way, we wouldn’t have played either, but some of the guys just wanted to be out here and play. So we honored that. I’m happy that we were able to stay relatively healthy today.”

Keeping Pavia healthy will be paramount to Vanderbilt’s success this coming fall. After all, he’s done more in one year under center than arguably any other Commodores quarterback in recent memory.

It all started after Diego Pavia arrived at Vanderbilt in 2024 from New Mexico State, where he spent two years. He helped lead the Commodores to an impressive turnaround, finishing 6-6 with a marquee victory over Alabama on the resume. Pavia went on to throw for 2,293 yards, with 20 touchdowns and just four interceptions. He also ran for 800 yards and eight touchdowns. That kind of production helped put Vanderbilt on the map.

For his efforts, Lea awarded Pavia, and some of the other veteran leaders on the program, a day off during the spring game. Well, at least a day off from practicing and being on the field.

“Those guys that aren’t participating—we want them to be engaged,” Lea continued. “I saw a number of guys doing this. Diego wasn’t dressed today, so for him to take a role where he’s putting his energy toward the field, that matters. He’s a leadership presence for us. We wanted him paying attention, helping the quarterbacks, and just being engaged in the day. I appreciate him for doing that.”

Since he wasn’t on the field for the spring game, the next time fans will get to see Pavia suited up won’t be until the season opener on Aug. 30. Vanderbilt take on Charleston Southern at home.