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Vanderbilt

Clark Lea says AJ Swann is questionable for Florida game

20200517_134556by:Justin Rudolph•11/16/22
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Clark Lea and his Vanderbilt squad just picked up their first SEC victory since Oct. of 2019. And on Saturday, they will look to repeat the results of their win over Kentucky against Florida. But will they have starting quarterback AJ Swann back under center for the game? According to Lea, Swann is questionable for Saturday.

“As of right now, questionable. I think we need to see whether or not he’s able to get back in time to prepare and to be able to play at the level that helps us win,” said Lea. All of that’s up in the air right now, but certainly, we’re hopeful for his health. And hopeful that he’s able to make a return for us this weekend.

In Swann’s absence, backup Mike Wright lead the team to victory over the Wildcats. And with his performance, the former Vanderbilt starter earned SEC offensive player of the week honors. If Swann can’t play against the Gators, the Commodores look to be in more than capable hands with Wright at the helm.

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.”