Five interesting defensive players to watch in Vanderbilt football preseason – The Tennessean

Vanderbilt football is set to start preseason practices Aug. 5, and it hopes its defense can take a step forward.
Nobody was able to stop the Commodores‘ offense last season, but poor defense hurt them in losses to Alabama and Texas, as well as an overtime win over Auburn. Vanderbilt focused on that side of the ball in the transfer portal and returned more production than it did on the offensive side.
In evaluating players we’re most interested to watch in the preseason, we avoided those who are established starters with relatively predictable production, like Bryan Longwell and Martel Hight. Instead, the focus is on players who have something to prove.
Here are five names to watch:
Jones is a transfer from Clemson who is generally considered to be the Commodores’ top offseason add. In 2025, he recorded 36 tackles, one tackle for loss and an ACC-leading six interceptions.
It may be difficult in a practice setting to tell just how much of a ball hawk Jones will be, but with a competition ongoing between two inexperienced quarterbacks, he has the chance to make some highlights.
Heard is a returning starter but one who had plenty of ups and downs a year ago. He co-led the team in total tackles, with 71, but he also missed several crucial tackles in games where defense became a problem.
In theory, poor tackling can be fixed, and it’s something the Commodores could use the preseason practice period to address. It’ll be difficult to truly evaluate Heard’s progress until the games start — many preseason practices are not in full pads — but he will be an important player nonetheless.
Vanderbilt was supposed to get its final season of the German nose tackle in 2025, but a shoulder injury ended his season after only one game.
In 2024, Ouattara recorded 31 tackles, five tackles for loss and two sacks. The Commodores also clearly view him as a leader, as evidenced by sending him to SEC media days as a team representative.
The preseason could give an indication of whether Ouattara is back to form and whether he can even take steps forward from where he was in 2024. A healthy Ouattara would be a big addition for the defense.
Allen is an entertaining player to talk to, and he brings Big Ten experience as an Iowa transfer to the defensive line —along with experience facing Vanderbilt in the ReliaQuest Bowl.
In 2025, Allen recorded 16 tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss and 0.5 sacks, but he was more productive in 2024, with 17 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. An expanded role on Vanderbilt’s defensive line, which is trying to replace Khordae Sydnor, could help Allen flourish, but he isn’t a sure thing.
Lawrence, a four-star recruit, was the top-rated player in Vanderbilt’s 2025 class, but he didn’t see a ton of playing time his first year. Instead, he played mostly on special teams, recording nine tackles and one pass breakup.
There’s not a clear opening for a starting role for Lawrence, but if he can prove himself during the preseason, he could see increased playing time in the safety rotation.
Aria Gerson covers Vanderbilt athletics for The Tennessean. Contact her at [email protected] or on X @aria_gerson.

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