Dores Finalize Signing Class

Bryan Longwell and Josh Palmer round out #GoldStandard23

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Vanderbilt football and head coach Clark Lea put the finishing touches on the 2023 signing class Wednesday, inking Bryan Longwell and Josh Palmer to National Letters of Intent.

Longwell is a three-star linebacker from Nashville’s Lipscomb Academy. Palmer is a three-star tight end hailing from Montgomery (Ala.) Catholic. The duo joins 21 signees from the December signing day, as well as three previously announced transfer student-athletes, to help solidify the roster of Team 3.

“I think the character of this group, the starting point for this class, the foundation of this class was in that toughness,” Lea said. “They came in contact with the people in this building, men and women that they believe in, and they believe in the vision of what we’re building and were excited to be a part of it.”

Lea’s third Vanderbilt squad opens the 2023 season on Aug. 26 when Hawai’i visits FirstBank Stadium. New season ticket deposits are now being accepted and season ticket renewals will begin soon.

Bryan Longwell
LB • 6-1 • 225
Nashville, Tenn.• Lipscomb Academy

• Rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports, ESPN and On3, with a rating of 83.71 in the On3 Industry Consensus
• Ranked a top-40 player in Tennessee by On3 and ESPN
• Slotted the No. 34 linebacker in the class by ESPN
• Made 94 tackles as a senior, with 19 for loss, helping Lipscomb Academy to its second consecutive state championship
• Chose to stay home in Nashville over offers from Auburn, Colorado and Arizona State
• Played for coach Trent Dilfer at Lipscomb Academy
• Prep teammate of fellow 2023 signee Junior Sherrill

Josh Palmer
TE • 6-5 • 215
Selma, Ala. • Montgomery Catholic

• Rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports, On3 and Rivals, with an overall rating of 83.67 in the On3 Consensus
• Ranked a top-50 player in Alabama by 247Sports and On3, as well as a top-60 tight end in the class by On3
• Named second team all-metro and honorable mention all-conference as a senior, helping team to state semifinals
• Made 34 receptions for 712 yards and 10 touchdowns during senior campaign
• Played for coach Kirk Johnson at Montgomery Catholic
• Three-sport athlete also plays basketball and baseball