Injured & MIA's a concern going into Alabama game
Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2022 12:47 pm
Vandy got starting center Julian Hernandez back for NIU, but there were three new injuries to starters that appeared significant: LG Ben Cox started but left early and didn't return; RG Xavier Delfin Castillo (who had been filling in for Hernandez) was held out for an injury that evidently happened last week; and NB and captain Jaylen Mahoney, the secondary's best tackler, left the game with what appeared to be an arm or shoulder injury and didn't return.
Meanwhile neither RB Rocko Griffin nor WR Quincy Skinner was able to return last week as hoped. DL Devin Lee was able to play in his first game of the season, but only for a few snaps. DL Daevion Davis has not played yet and whether he can play at all this season seems to be in question. DL Miles Capers is out for the season. DL Brayden Bapst hasn't played yet.
Then there are the guys that are mysteriously "not available", possibly due to something that happened in Hawaii... RB Patrick Smith missed his fourth game, as did DB Trudell Berry, DB Gumbo Gaskins, and WR Daveon Walker. The last three are true freshmen, but they were all in good standing and expected to contribute through fall camp, but they've been MIA. And of course, two other true freshmen have been dismissed.
Remarkably, the team played well Saturday despite missing all these guys. The offensive line looked especially good. Vandy has eight O-linemen that it feels good about, and all of them have had to play. Gage Pitchford and Junior Uzebu got the call Saturday, and Jacob Brammer has been a godsend at right tackle. But this makeshift group will have to hold off Will Anderson & Co. this Saturday. Ja'Dais Richard and John Howse filled in capably for Mahoney, but this week they'll be going against Heisman winner Bryce Young and a stable of elite receivers.
One wonders when the "not available" guys will be allowed back. And one wonders how much better this team could be if everyone suddenly got healthy.
Meanwhile neither RB Rocko Griffin nor WR Quincy Skinner was able to return last week as hoped. DL Devin Lee was able to play in his first game of the season, but only for a few snaps. DL Daevion Davis has not played yet and whether he can play at all this season seems to be in question. DL Miles Capers is out for the season. DL Brayden Bapst hasn't played yet.
Then there are the guys that are mysteriously "not available", possibly due to something that happened in Hawaii... RB Patrick Smith missed his fourth game, as did DB Trudell Berry, DB Gumbo Gaskins, and WR Daveon Walker. The last three are true freshmen, but they were all in good standing and expected to contribute through fall camp, but they've been MIA. And of course, two other true freshmen have been dismissed.
Remarkably, the team played well Saturday despite missing all these guys. The offensive line looked especially good. Vandy has eight O-linemen that it feels good about, and all of them have had to play. Gage Pitchford and Junior Uzebu got the call Saturday, and Jacob Brammer has been a godsend at right tackle. But this makeshift group will have to hold off Will Anderson & Co. this Saturday. Ja'Dais Richard and John Howse filled in capably for Mahoney, but this week they'll be going against Heisman winner Bryce Young and a stable of elite receivers.
One wonders when the "not available" guys will be allowed back. And one wonders how much better this team could be if everyone suddenly got healthy.