Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea isn’t rushing defensive lineman Issa Ouattara back as the Commodores gear up for Saturday’s home game against Utah State.
“Issa is still trying to recover,” Lea said this week. “He didn’t feel well enough to play on Saturday. His injury is not yet surgical…I want Issa to feel confident when he takes the field that he’s healthy and ready to play.”
Ouattara, a veteran leader on the defensive line, made his season debut in Week 2 against Virginia Tech but suffered a setback early that forced him to the sideline. Lea admitted that the reinjury “reset our expectations of how long this could be,” but emphasized the staff is following the medical guidance. “The science says he’s not going to injure it further by playing,” Lea explained. “But that doesn’t mean he’s able to perform at the level he needs to.”
Even while sidelined, Lea praised his captain’s leadership. “He’s so engaged. He’s pouring into this group even though he’s not able to impact play right now on the field.”
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The Commodores also expect to be without Jamison Curtis, who is recovering from a soft tissue injury but has been able to practice lightly. Clinton Azubuike is questionable with a trap spasm, though Lea sounded optimistic he’ll be available.
Beyond injuries, Lea pointed to special teams as a crucial factor in Saturday’s matchup. “We feel like we have to win the margins, and the margins that come up on special teams are critically important to team performance. They set the table for our offense and defense.” He credited coordinator Jeff LePak and assistant Shane Gallant for building “a really powerful team” in the kicking game.
Defensively, Lea lauded coordinator Steve Gregory but issued a challenge. “We need to play better earlier in the game. What we’ve settled into is a team that’s opportunistic on the ball…but finding consistency will be the thing that separates us in time.”
Utah State brings in a high-tempo attack, and Lea knows fast starts will be key. For Vanderbilt, Saturday offers a chance to steady its footing with SEC play looming.
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