Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia has quickly become the face of the Commodores’ push for national respect — and South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer has definitely taken notice.
Heading into Saturday’s matchup, Beamer didn’t hold back when asked about the dynamic dual-threat QB.
“He’s a stud,” Beamer said. “I’ve got so much respect for him. I got a chance to visit with him a little bit in Atlanta at SEC Media Days because we were there at the same time, and enjoyed visiting with him and watching him play.”
Pavia, who transferred from New Mexico State, has energized Vanderbilt’s program with his playmaking ability and confidence — even going so far as to say he believes the Commodores can contend for a national championship. That swagger has translated on the field, where he continues to deliver in clutch moments.
Beamer pointed to Pavia’s ability to rise under pressure, citing a key throw from last week’s win over Virginia Tech.
“He’s such a competitor,” Beamer explained. “He loves the moment, loves competing. He’s got a play against Virginia Tech, where he’s sitting in the pocket on third down and delivering a throw down the field. And where he’s got one-on-one coverage on the outside, and he throws it up and he hits the receiver in stride on a deep ball for a touchdown.”
Pavia finished that game with 254 total yards and has Vanderbilt sitting at No. 11 in the SEC Power Rankings. His stardom is already being backed off the field, too, with a reported $2 million NIL deal.
Beamer acknowledged just how much of a challenge the Gamecocks face in slowing him down.
“He’s fun to watch, and I’ve got a ton of respect for him,” Beamer said.
On Saturday, Pavia will line up against another rising star quarterback — South Carolina’s own LaNorris Sellers — in what promises to be one of the most intriguing QB duels of the weekend.
