Clark Lea confident Diego Pavia’s skill set will bring value to NFL

TAMPA, Fla. — After losing the ReliaQuest Bowl to Iowa Wednesday, the Vanderbilt coach is now looking forward to his quarterback’s journey to the next level.

Clark Lea believes Diego Pavia’s film, statistics, work ethic and leadership is noteworthy in the eyes of NFL scouts, and the next four months are going to determine his draft stock.

Although Pavia lacks ideal size, he makes up for it with heart and plays fearless. He only stands six-foot, and weighs 207 pounds, which could possibly scare off some General Managers. However, there are some short gunslingers in the pros like Russell Wilson and Kyler Murray, who have had success.

Pavia left a lasting impression after his performance against the Hawkeyes, and despite the loss, he generated stellar numbers. The New Mexico native completed 25 of his 38 passes for 347 yards and two touchdowns, to go along with a rushing score. His 75-yard touchdown pass to wideout Tre Richardson was also the most explosive play of the game. At times Pavia made it look easy, and he did it against a Hawkeye team that finished ninth in the FBS in total defense.

Lea appreciates everything Pavia has done for the program. After all, he was the Heisman runner-up, and put the Commodores on the map, with a school-record, 10 wins. He’s charismatic, prideful and passionate, which should prepare him for the road ahead.

“I think he’s the best player in the country, and he’s the best competitor I’ve ever met in my life,” Lea said. “He’s the best teammate I’ve ever met in my life, and this guy has redefined what it means to connect with people.”

The numbers don’t lie, and Pavia led the SEC in completion percentage, passing efficiency and touchdown tosses. As if that wasn’t enough, Pavia finished first in the Power Four, and second nationally in total offense. The signal-caller even had success before Vanderbilt, and led New Mexico State to a 10-win campaign in 2023.

Lea feels Pavia has tremendous upside, and will make everyone in the locker room work harder, and that’s what they look for in the NFL. There’s no denying Pavia’s remarks about the Heisman voters didn’t do him any justice. Some fans viewed him as a whiner, who didn’t get his way, and in the NFL he’ll have to accept defeat. Lea is confident Pavia put that entire fiasco behind him though, and will prove that he belongs, considering he embraces being the underdog.

“I’m so excited for him to be able to shoot his shot in the NFL, and I’m never betting against that guy,” he said. I hope the right people have paid attention to his season, because this dude has been doubted his entire life.”

There are plenty of NFL teams that could use Pavia’s services, including the Indianapolis Colts, Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets and potentially the Arizona Cardinals if they part ways with Murray. Pavia has arm talent, is accurate with his throws and packs the mobility to move the chains if necessary.

The signal-caller likely won’t go in the early rounds of the draft, but Pavia will be a steal if he’s around on day three. Lea hopes the scouts observe Pavia’s talents, and once they do that, there’ll be no mystery to what he can accomplish in the NFL.

“Everyone is wanting to say something about what he can and can’t do, but this guy is going to make it,” the 44-year old said. “He’s not only going to make it, he’s going to find a way to play at the level he’s found a way to play at for us. ”

Pavia is leaving behind a tremendous legacy not only at Vanderbilt, but the SEC overall. So Lea is going to make it a priority that future Commanders know about his rise to the top.

“We love Diego, and we’re going to miss him, but we won’t forget him.”