Vanderbilt Athletics
Name: Diego Pavia
Position: Quarterback
Recruiting Rank: Unranked
High School: Volcano Vista (Albuquerque, NM)
College: New Mexico Military Institute → New Mexico State → Vanderbilt
Captain: Yes
Measurables
Height: 6’0
Weight: 207
40 Yard: Unknown
10 Yard: Unknown
Arm Length: Unknown
Hand Size: Unknown
Vertical: Unknown
3 Cone: Unknown
Broad Jump: Unknown
Bench: Unknown
Position Specific
Positives in Pass Game:
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Excellent deep ball accuracy when mechanics are clean.
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Quick mental processing on pre-snap reads.
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Short memory after mistakes – bounces back with confidence.
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Consistently clutch in high-pressure moments (see wins over Auburn and Alabama).
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Good vision downfield and ability to identify blitzes.
Negatives in Pass Game:
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Height limits visibility over the middle, struggles with throwing lanes.
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Intermediate velocity is average; balls can arrive late.
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Often locks onto first read before progressing.
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Can abandon pocket too quickly if initial option is covered.
Positives in Run Game:
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Dual-threat weapon with acceleration and strong contact balance.
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Creates explosive plays with legs when pocket collapses.
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Toughness allows him to run through contact and finish runs.
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Excellent red zone threat with ability to improvise.
Negatives in Run Game:
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Aggressive running style invites unnecessary hits.
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Frame size/durability questions at next level.
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Sometimes relies on legs instead of working through reads.
The Wrap-up
Summary: Pavia is the definition of a gamer — an unheralded recruit who fought his way through JUCO, mid-major football, and finally the SEC to prove he could win at every stop. He’s a fearless dual-threat quarterback whose ability to deliver in big moments made him one of the most fun college players in recent memory. NFL evaluators will focus on his size limitations, average arm strength, and tendency to lock onto reads, but his leadership, competitiveness, and knack for making plays are undeniable.
Injury Concerns: None reported.
Character/Off-Field Concerns: None reported.
Projected Role: Developmental QB3 with package-specific upside.
Strong Points:
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Pocket awareness and mobility
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Deep ball accuracy
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Clutch performer in big games
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Leadership and toughness
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Dual-threat versatility
Weak Points:
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Height and size limit projection
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Average arm strength, especially on intermediate throws
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Progression reads inconsistent
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Durability concerns from physical style
Exposures:
- Texas (2024)
- @ LSU (2024)
- Charleston Southern (2025)
About the Author
Dalton Tinklenberg is the Founder and Media Director of The Scouting Depot, where he leads comprehensive coverage of college and professional football. He is an active member of some of the most respected organizations in sports journalism, including the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA), Maxwell Football Club, Online News Association (ONA), National Football Foundation (NFF), and the Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE).
Before launching The Scouting Depot, Dalton worked with Blue HQ Media, where he covered major sporting events such as the Indianapolis 500, the College Football Playoff, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
Through his professional affiliations and on-the-ground experience, Dalton combines deep knowledge of the game with recognized standards of storytelling, editorial excellence, and authenticity in sports coverage.
