Clark Lea

Clark Lea

 Vanderbilt Athletics

Heading into Vanderbilt’s season opener against Hawaii, there was cautious optimism the team would find a way to successfully replace 1,000-yard rusher Ray Davis following his transfer to Kentucky.

The Commodores, after all, were returning the same offensive line that opened holes for Davis last season, as well as two backs — Patrick Smith and Chase Gillespie — with at least some experience, and promising freshmen backs Sedrick Alexander and AJ Newberry as well.