Under the new coaching regime and defensive scheme Derek Mason brings to Nashville, former defensive end – and current outside linebacker – Caleb Azubike is a key component.

The Commodores have notched three preseason practices already without Azubike, who is currently out for personal reasons.

“Caleb’s got some things going on right now,” Vanderbilt coach Derek Mason said, according to The Tennessean. “He had a couple of family things that he really needed to take care of. Our prayers are always with our guys.

“We can’t wait to get him back,” Mason said. “We need to get him back soon. But as of right now, we’re just praying for him.”

The 6-4, 250-pound junior was tied for a team high with 9.5 tackles for loss and four sacks, and with Mason’s new 3-4 scheme, Azubike’s role only drastically increases. Hopefully he can return soon, and it will be fun watching Azubike getting after quarterbacks in opponents’ backfields in Mason’s defense

Kevin Duffey

A graduate of the University of Florida and founder of Saturday Down South, Kevin is a college football enthusiast.