‘Even if you were better, my son is playing regardless’ — Deion Sanders once dismissed star SEC quarterback with no chance to compete
It has been a fascinating journey for Vanderbilt star quarterback Diego Pavia. Once an underrated quarterback out of the state of New Mexico, Pavia opted for the junior college route and began his career with the New Mexico Military Institute. Pavia took advantage of that opportunity, eventually earning an opportunity with the New Mexico State […]
It has been a fascinating journey for Vanderbilt star quarterback Diego Pavia. Once an underrated quarterback out of the state of New Mexico, Pavia opted for the junior college route and began his career with the New Mexico Military Institute. Pavia took advantage of that opportunity, eventually earning an opportunity with the New Mexico State Aggies and then head coach Jerry Kill.
The 6-0, 200-pound signal caller was dynamic for the program in his two years, eventually earning a Transfer Portal opportunity with the Vanderbilt Commodores. After just year one with the program, Pavia changed expectations down in Nashville. Vanderbilt was able to upset Alabama, earn a bowl game berth, and their first winning record in several years. Pavia fought to get an extra year of eligibility due to his time in the JUCO ranks, and he was given that opportunity.
Pavia now heads into the 2025 season with some high expectations. Over the course of his three years on the FBS level, he has accounted for 8,948 total yards and 80 touchdowns. Funny enough, there was actually another opportunity that Pavia considered heavily when coming out of New Mexico Military Institute.
That was with head coach Deion Sanders, who was with Jackson State at the time. Pavia was on a recent episode of Bussin with the Boys. He spoke with Will Compton and Taylor Lewan about being recruited by Coach Prime, and the reason he didn't opt for the opportunity.
"I was thinking about going to Jackson State but Deion was so real," Pavia said. "He was like, 'Hey, this isn’t a 50/50. My son is playing regardless… Even if you were better, my son is playing regardless.' He was like, 'We’re looking for a backup.' He said if you’re looking to come be a backup. In my head, I’m like, 'I ain’t no (expletive) backup, you know what I mean? I’m like, I’m not going to St. Francis because I can’t go to the league from there. I was thinking, (expletive), New Mexico State is my only option.”
In the end, nobody knows what would have happened if Pavia did end up choosing Jackson State. If he was given the chance, it is unlikely that he would have beaten out Shedeur Sanders. While he might bring some controversy for his persona off the field, Sanders is still a very talented player. During his two seasons with the Colorado Buffaloes, Sanders threw for 7,364 yards and 64 touchdowns.
What if, hypothetically, he was given an opportunity? Would Pavia have had a legitimate chance due to him bringing a completely different style of play?
That is something we will never know.
There is a deeper conversation that should probably be had about Coach Sanders' openness to that competition. If his son was as good as some believed, it would have never been a contest. You sacrificed bringing in another talented quarterback without even letting him compete.
For the first time in a very long time, Sanders is set to be without his father as a coach. He is in a battle to become the starting quarterback with the Cleveland Browns. There is no hiding from competition now.