Vanderbilt football's deepest position may be at safety. At least players at the position believe so.
There's a good blend of returners and new talent. CJ Heard is back after co-leading the team with 71 tackles a year ago. While Marlen Sewell and Randon Fontenette are gone, Dontae Carter, Carson Lawrence and Jalen Gilbert return after being reserves at the position in 2025.
Davin Chandler could be a breakout candidate after appearing in one game as a freshman. Then there's Clemson transfer Ricardo Jones, who had six interceptions a year ago and was a All-ACC third team selection.
"My goal here is to get that plus more every year," Jones said Aug. 11.
The safeties are simultaneously young and experienced. There are only two seniors at the position − Gilbert and Payne Daniel − and no fifth-year players. But the group has plenty of starting experience.
#position
There's a good blend of returners and new talent. CJ Heard is back after co-leading the team with 71 tackles a year ago. While Marlen Sewell and Randon Fontenette are gone, Dontae Carter, Carson Lawrence and Jalen Gilbert return after being reserves at the position in 2025.
Davin Chandler could be a breakout candidate after appearing in one game as a freshman. Then there's Clemson transfer Ricardo Jones, who had six interceptions a year ago and was a All-ACC third team selection.
"My goal here is to get that plus more every year," Jones said Aug. 11.
The safeties are simultaneously young and experienced. There are only two seniors at the position − Gilbert and Payne Daniel − and no fifth-year players. But the group has plenty of starting experience.
#position
16 days ago
