Every 1,000-Yard Rusher in Vanderbilt Football History

Want to win a bar bet on Broadway?

Pull up a chair and ask the person next to you: Which SEC team has produced more 1,000-yard rushing seasons: Vanderbilt or Florida?

It’s a trick question … because both SEC programs have produced 10 1,000-yard rushing seasons in program history, entering the 2025 season. But collect on the bet, because you know the answer you’ll get will be “Florida.” For proof, show them Florida’s 1,000-yard rushers and toast to good times and college football in the South.

In 2024, spark-plug quarterback Diego Pavia just missed adding his name to the list of 1,000-yard rushers in Vandy history. Pavia ran for 978 yards (after sacks, his official total was 801).

Will the ‘Dores add another 1,000-yard rusher in 2025? TBD. Until then, Ray Davis remains Vandy’s most recent inductee into the 1,000-yard rushing club.

Here’s a complete look at every Commodore who rushed for 1,000 yards in a season.

Vandy’s 1,000-Yard Rushers

Three Commodores rushed for 1,000 yards twice in their career, starting with single-season record-holder Ralph Webb, who went to high school in Gainesville but never received an offer to become a Florida Gator.

Vandy’s Single-Season Rushing Record Progression

In 1978, Frank Mordica became the first Vanderbilt player to rush for 1,000 yards in a season. Mordica finished with 1,065 yards, thus setting a single-season program record. Here’s a look at who has held the single-season rushing record since (bold indicates the year the record was broken):

Chris Wright

Managing Editor

A 30-time APSE award-winning editor with previous stints at the Miami Herald, The Indianapolis Star and News & Observer, Executive Editor Chris Wright oversees editorial operations for Saturday Down South.