Vanderbilt QB’s Unlikely Journey to Beat No. 1 Team Thanks to ‘God’s Timing’
By Movieguide® Contributor
Diego Pavia was a zero-star recruit coming out of high school.
“Pavia, who grew up in Albuquerque, didn’t have a single FBS or FCS scholarship offer coming out of high school. Only two Division II schools — Western Colorado and Western New Mexico — gave him a chance to play quarterback,” ESPN reported.
Before attending Vanderbilt for his last year of college, Pavia “Competed two seasons at New Mexico State (2022-23) and two seasons at New Mexico Military Institute (2020-21).”
“I just think they were scared of my height,” Pavia said of the recruitment process. “People like to focus on height, weight and 40-yard dash times. I like to go off film. I move well. I feel like I throw the ball well. I feel like I run well. I just don’t have God-given height and weight.”
New Mexico State head coach, Jerry Kill, said of his quarterback, “If you met his family, they’re very competitive people. I think he was raised that way and he’s been fighting all his life. People said he didn’t look like a quarterback. He’s had a chip on his shoulder and he’s got the ‘it’ factor. He’s had to come up the hard way and that’s probably why he is who he is.”
For Pavia’s final year of eligibility, he entered the transfer portal after he found out Coach Kill was leaving.
“Hey, son, I’m headed to Vanderbilt as the offensive head coach,” Kill told Pavia over the phone. “I already told everyone you’re coming with me, so I’ll see you there.”
Since his time at Vanderbilt, Pavia has led the Commodores’ to a 3-2 record, and while that might not seem that great on paper, Vanderbilt beat Virginia Tech and No. 1 Alabama.
“I’m not really supposed to be here,” Pavia said after beating Virginia Tech. “I’ve been doubted…Had to walk on to a junior college. So, from here on out, it’s a chip on my shoulder wherever I go.”
After the win against the No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide, Pavia credited his faith and work ethic for bringing him to that moment.
“It’s literally all God’s timing,” he said. “Literally, from the jump. God gave me a vision when I was a little kid. And He don’t let back any promises. It’s God’s timeline. I’m super thankful.”