It looks as if the Vanderbilt Commodores may be down one of their most important defense pieces during the 2023 season.

Standout linebacker Anfernee Orji is set to test the waters in the 2023 NFL Draft based upon his Friday announcement, meaning that he will forgo his final year of eligibility (from the COVID year). In the post he made to Twitter ahead of the holidays, Orji thanked his coaches, teammates and those around him for their support and contributions to his development as an athlete.

On a 2022 season that saw a bit of an upswing for Vanderbilt as a program, Orji finished out regular season action with 106 total tackles (52 solo), 1 sack, 1 forced fumble and 1 interception.