Vanderbilt names Blaze Berlowitz the Week 1 starter, with freshman Jared Curtis set to play

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Vanderbilt has chosen senior Blaze Berlowitz to start in the team's season opener against Austin Peay on September 5th. Coach Clark Lea announced Thursday that freshman Jared Curtis will also see action.

Lea explained that this decision is specifically for the opener. He believes that organizing the offense around Berlowitz taking the first snaps is best for the team's performance. Both quarterbacks have proven their worth, with Berlowitz having a consistent camp and Curtis showing his potential with an impressive career record.

Berlowitz, a native of Cushing, Oklahoma, played sparingly last season after transferring from New Mexico State. Curtis, who committed to Vanderbilt from Georgia, is a highly touted recruit, ranked No. 4 in his class by 247Sports Composite. He has substantial experience in both passing and rushing games.

Lea is excited to see both quarterbacks compete, emphasizing the importance of protecting the ball and making big plays. He wants to see how well each player can handle the transition from private school division to the SEC. Both Berlowitz and Curtis have a significant advantage over their opponent, with Curtis being 30 pounds heavier than Berlowitz.