Vanderbilt football spring game: Five things to watch for
Vanderbilt football culminates its spring season Saturday with optimism as the Commodores prepare for their spring game.
The theme of the spring for Vanderbilt, which finished 5-7 in 2022, is to make a bowl game in 2023. That permeates all facets of the team workouts. For that to happen, several of the Commodores' young players will need to take steps forward in the fall, and fans could get a first look at whether that will happen as the spring game commences at 5 p.m. CT at the Vanderbilt Soccer and Lacrosse Complex. Admission is free and the game will also be live-streamed on SEC Network+ and ESPN+.
With just three early enrolling freshmen − running back Sedrick Alexander and linebackers Ethan Crisp and Jailen Ruth − the spring game will be more about getting a look at younger returners. The redshirt freshmen and sophomores comprise a 2022 recruiting class that was Vanderbilt's best since the James Franklin days.
Here's what to watch for in the spring game:
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AJ Swann's development
Sophomore AJ Swann enters the spring as the starting quarterback, with redshirt junior Ken Seals and redshirt freshmen Drew Dickey and Walter Taylor behind him.
Swann showed flashes of brilliance in 2022 but also dealt with injuries in the second half of the season. He didn't play in either of Vanderbilt's SEC wins against Kentucky and Florida.
The spring game will give Swann, now fully healthy, a chance to prove what he can do. With a large number of returning starters on the offensive line and at receiver, his development will be a big part of whether the Commodores can reach their goals.
Can sophomores level up the defense?
Vanderbilt's defense was one of the worst in the country last season. The hope is that in 2023, a crew of redshirt freshmen and sophomores can take steps forward and improve that unit.
Among the players who have shown flashes in spring practices include pass-rusher Darren Agu, corner Ja'Dais Richard, linebacker Langston Patterson and defensive lineman Yilanan Ouattara. The coaching staff is also excited about Stanford transfer pass-rusher Aeneas DiCosmo.
If that group can show playmaking ability alongside top returners like CJ Taylor, Kane Patterson and Jaylen Mahoney, the defense figures to be better in 2023.
Banged-up receivers
Several wide receivers have missed time in the spring, including Will Sheppard, Gamarion Carter and Jayden McGowan. While Sheppard and Carter have returned to practice, the injuries have provided opportunities for younger players to make plays.
Sheppard is a proven entity at receiver, and Quincy Skinner should be a good No. 2 option on the outside. But junior walk-on Richie Hoskins has seen more reps as a result of the banged-up room, and redshirt freshman Daveon Walker could see more opportunities.
Sedrick Alexander showing flashes
Running back is one of Vanderbilt's biggest areas of concern going into 2023 after losing Ray Davis to the transfer portal. Alexander, a true freshman, has been the top standout among early enrollees.
The Commodores' top incumbent, Patrick Smith, has struggled some, giving Alexander a chance to make plays. If he can contribute right away as a freshman, it could add another dimension to the offense.
Who plays tight end?
After losing Ben Bresnahan and Gavin Schoenwald, Vanderbilt has an opening at tight end. Redshirt freshman Cole Spence and redshirt senior Justin Ball are the returners, along with senior Logan Kyle, who recently switched to the position from receiver.
If any of them can show playmaking ability, it could provide a big boost to a position of major need.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Vanderbilt football spring game: Five things to watch for
