Why Vanderbilt football will be relying on run game in 2026
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Why Vanderbilt football will be relying on run game in 2026
Aria Gerson, Nashville Tennessean·The Tennessean
·
3 min read
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Sedrick Alexanderknows that being an elite running back is not just about running the ball.
"I think I have arguably the best hands in the country," Alexander said after an Aug. 19 practice.
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In 2025, Alexander had 105 rushing attempts for 567 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also caught 19 passes for 200 yards and four touchdowns. On top of that, he's a strong blocker who helped block for other running backs and receivers as well.
He's not the only running back who is set for a big year withVanderbilt footballin 2026.Makhilyn Youngrushed 46 times for 414 yards and six touchdowns and made 14 catches for 133 yards. Jamezell Lassiter had nine carries for 143 yards and two touchdowns and caught four passes for 57 yards.
Vanderbilt wide receiver Brycen Coleman (9) hauls in a pass during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt running back Jamezell Lassiter (3) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt quarterback Jared Curtis (2) throws during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt tight end Cole Spence (16) makes a catch while covered by safety Jailen Ruth (14) during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, August. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt wide receiver Junior Sherrill (0) makes a catch in front of safety Carson Lawrence (3) during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt Coach Clark Lea observes practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) throws during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt running back Sedrick Alexander (28) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt quarterback Jack Elliott (11) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt Offensive Coordinator Tim Beck and quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt safety Jalen Gilbert (9) breaks up a pass to tight end Maurice Veney (19) during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt Bob Shoop, senior defensive analyst, attends practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt quarterback Whit Muschamp (10) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt quarterback Jared Curtis (2) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt running back Evan Hampton (23) goes through drills during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) throws during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt tight end Jayvontay Conner (8) hauls in a pass against safety Carson Lawrence (3) during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt quarterback Jared Curtis (2) throws during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt tight end Jayvontay Conner (8) goes up for a catch against safety Ricardo Jones (7) during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt running back Jamezell Lassiter (3) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt quarterback Drew Cowart (14) hands off to running back Evan Hampton (23) during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt running back Makhilyn Young (22) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt quarterback Whit Muschamp (10) throws during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt running back Jamezell Lassiter (3) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt quarterback Jared Curtis (2) hands off to running back Makhilyn Young (22) during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt tight end Cole Spence (16) makes a catch while covered by safety Jailen Ruth (14) during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, August. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt running back Makhilyn Young (22) and wide receiver Tristen Brown (5) go through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt running back Jamezell Lassiter (3) goes through drills during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt running back Evan Hampton (23) finishes up a run during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt linebacker Bryce Cowan (22) goes through stretches during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt quarterback Jared Curtis (2) throws during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt tight end Jayvontay Conner (8) hauls in a pass against safety Carson Lawrence (3) during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt running back Sedrick Alexander (28) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt running back Makhilyn Young (22) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt running back Jamezell Lassiter (3) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Vanderbilt wide receiver Junior Sherrill (0) goes through drills during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt wide receiver Brycen Coleman (9) hauls in a pass during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt wide receiver Brycen Coleman (9) hauls in a pass during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt running back Jamezell Lassiter (3) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt quarterback Jared Curtis (2) throws during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt tight end Cole Spence (16) makes a catch while covered by safety Jailen Ruth (14) during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, August. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
5/39
Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt wide receiver Junior Sherrill (0) makes a catch in front of safety Carson Lawrence (3) during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt Coach Clark Lea observes practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) throws during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt running back Sedrick Alexander (28) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt quarterback Jack Elliott (11) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt Offensive Coordinator Tim Beck and quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt safety Jalen Gilbert (9) breaks up a pass to tight end Maurice Veney (19) during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt Bob Shoop, senior defensive analyst, attends practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
14/39
Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt quarterback Whit Muschamp (10) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt quarterback Jared Curtis (2) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt running back Evan Hampton (23) goes through drills during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Blaze Berlowitz, Vanderbilt football quarterback for coach Clark Lea
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) throws during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt tight end Jayvontay Conner (8) hauls in a pass against safety Carson Lawrence (3) during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
19/39
Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt quarterback Jared Curtis (2) throws during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt tight end Jayvontay Conner (8) goes up for a catch against safety Ricardo Jones (7) during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
21/39
Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt running back Jamezell Lassiter (3) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt quarterback Drew Cowart (14) hands off to running back Evan Hampton (23) during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt running back Makhilyn Young (22) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt quarterback Whit Muschamp (10) throws during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
25/39
Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt running back Jamezell Lassiter (3) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt quarterback Jared Curtis (2) hands off to running back Makhilyn Young (22) during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
27/39
Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt tight end Cole Spence (16) makes a catch while covered by safety Jailen Ruth (14) during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, August. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt running back Makhilyn Young (22) and wide receiver Tristen Brown (5) go through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (1) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt running back Jamezell Lassiter (3) goes through drills during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt running back Evan Hampton (23) finishes up a run during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt linebacker Bryce Cowan (22) goes through stretches during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt quarterback Jared Curtis (2) throws during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt tight end Jayvontay Conner (8) hauls in a pass against safety Carson Lawrence (3) during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt running back Sedrick Alexander (28) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt running back Makhilyn Young (22) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt running back Jamezell Lassiter (3) goes through warmups during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Vanderbilt football practice including best Jared Curtis photos
Vanderbilt wide receiver Junior Sherrill (0) goes through drills during practice at Vanderbilt University’s McGugin Center practice fields Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Freshmen Evan Hampton and Izayah Lee have stood out in preseason practices as well. It could be one of the deepest and most versatile running back rooms in the country.
"Everybody's got to be ready to play in that room," Young said. "I think one of the things, and one of our goals, we want to be the best room in the country, and not just the best running back. We want to be the best room from top to bottom and from coach to assistant coach, the best at everything we do. And I think we take true pride in it."
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Offensive coordinator Tim Beck will have his work cut out for him finding a spot for all of the running backs to play, but as one of the most run-heavy offenses in the country, Beck will likely find a way to get creative and showcase one of its best position rooms.
TheCommodoresfrequently make use of multiple-running back formations, and subsequently they require their backs to be able to run block, not just pass protection.
"The thing about our running backs here at Vanderbilt is that you're not only going to pass protect or pick up linebackers, but we're going to ask you to run block," run game coordinator Ghaali Muhammad-Lankford said. "You're going to develop the entire skillset in terms of blocking. And so we feel that we're the best in the country."
The running backs have both youth and experience. According to CBS Sports, Alexander has played the most career FBS snaps of any active back. Young is a fifth-year player. Hampton and Lee are the next generation.
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WithDiego PaviaandEli Stowersgone, Vanderbilt may not have as explosive of a passing game as last season. It's the running backs who have the chance to fill that void, with Alexander as a steady performer and Young as more of a home-run threat. Hampton looks like someone who could help in the passing game even if he's behind Alexander and Young as a traditional option. Lassiter got his chances in 2025, too.
And the preseason has been the perfect time to develop for the younger players with Alexander and Young having limited live reps. Neither player is injured but they are managing their workload because they are proven quantities.
Now, Hampton and Lee can come around as they, too, learn to do it all.
"Some people, they've just got to do one thing," Alexander said. "But for a running back, you've got to block, catch, run, read defenses, make sure you pick up the blitzes. It's a lot of things that go into running backs, so it's not as easy as people think."
