Vanderbilt Football 2023 Position Preview: Linebacker

Like a lot of places, Vanderbilt’s linebacker corps looks better than it did when Clark Lea took over two years ago.

Granted, the top-end talent might be less than it was last year. That’s what happens when you lose the star of your defense (Anfernee Orji.) But the depth? It’s actually pretty impressive. Vanderbilt has two former four-stars, transfers from Clemson and Notre Dame, and they might not even be starters. Linebackers are Clark Lea’s specialty, and it shows.

Kane Patterson, fifth-year senior: The 6’1”, 221-pound Patterson, who transferred from Clemson prior to last season, impressed in his first season at Vanderbilt. He had 39 tackles, with 6.5 for loss and 2.5 sacks. This season,…