Skip to main content
Join Now
Team Avatar
Vanderbilt

Andre Ware makes case for Diego Pavia as Heisman candidate

Grant Grubbs Profile Pictureby: Grant Grubbs21 hours agogrant_grubbs_
Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia
Nicole Hester | The Tennessean | USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

On Friday, ESPN hosted a midseason Heisman Trophy preview show. During the program, ESPN’s Andre Ware discussed Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia‘s chances of taking home the most coveted individual award in college football.

“All he does is create magic,” Ware said. “This guy is just fun to watch play the game. Every single weekend, I’m watching or looking for what Diego Pavia has done. He reminds me of Doug Flutie with the magic that he creates and the playmaking ability. He is special.”

As the 1989 Heisman Trophy winner, Ware knows what he’s talking about. Pavia has been excellent this season, completing 70.5% of his pass attempts for 1,569 yards and 15 touchdowns, while only throwing four interceptions.

Pavia’s arm isn’t his only threat. He’s also elite in the ground game. He’s recorded 438 yards and four TDs with his legs this season.

Pavia’s individual performances have translated to Vanderbilt’s win column. The Commodores are 6-1 this season and ranked No. 10 in the country. Pavia not only posts impressive statistics, but he puts on a show while doing it.

“You talk about a guy who can create wild moments? He created them last weekend against LSU, and just marched his team down the field, struck the pose,” Ware said. “The magic is just there every single time he takes the field. He is a guy that I literally search for. Who are they playing? What’s Pavia doing? Because, he’s that fun to watch.

“So, those wild moments that you’re talking about, Rece, Diego Pavia can provide those down the stretch, and I think the schedule sets up for them as well. Now, you have an opportunity starting Saturday.”

Diego Pavia’s personality is part of his allure. The veteran QB isn’t afraid to speak his mind, even if it leads to backlash from fans. During the offseason, college football pundits laughed at Pavia when he claimed Vanderbilt wanted to win the national championship.

However, with eight weeks in the rearview mirror, Vanderbilt seems capable of taking home the national title this season. Pavia only generated more buzz around his standout campaign when he hit the Heisman pose during Vanderbilt’s 31-24 win over LSU.

As Andre Ware mentioned, Pavia will face one of his toughest tests of the season this weekend. On Saturday, the Commodores will square off against No. 15 Missouri at 2:30 p.m. CT. The game will air live on ESPN.