Lipscomb starts at WR, Freebeck as “situational QB” on Vanderbilt depth chart

Kyle Shurmur is still Vanderbilt’s starting quarterback, at least according to the team’s official depth chart. Whether or not he gets pulled again while protecting a double digit lead is up to Derek Mason.

Shurmur remained the team’s unquestioned starter despite getting yanked for backup Wade Freebeck in the second quarter of last week’s season opener. However, that doesn’t mean the Commodores are locked in on their sophomore passer. Mason told reporters on Tuesday Freebeck is the team’s “situational quarterback.” The third-year coach will use his backup quarterback in running and zone read situations despite literal years of criticism over his use of multiple QBs at Vanderbilt.

There were a few changes to the team’s depth chart elsewhere. True freshman Kalija Lipscomb ascended to a starting role at wideout in front of C.J. Duncan. Lipscomb had one catch for 15 yards last week, which somehow made him the team’s third-most productive receiver.

Ladarius Wiley and Ryan White, the team’s backup safeties against South Carolina, will replace Emmanuel Smith and Arnold Tarpley in the primary slots this Saturday.

Sam Loy also earned a starting role at punter after taking over for Reid Nelson in the season opener. Loy had six punts for 242 yards against the Gamecocks, most of which came from the shadow of his own end zone. Khari Blasingame, who scored the team’s only touchdown of the season last week, is now Ralph Webb’s primary backup at tailback. Dallas Rivers is listed solely as a fullback as a result.