May 19, 2015
Veteran Commodore starting offensive lineman Spencer Pulley has been named among 52 players nationally to the Rimington Trophy watch list.
Pulley, a product of Evangelical Christian High School near Memphis, has 29 career starts on the Vanderbilt offensive line, the highest total among active Commodore players.
While all of Pulley’s starts have come at offensive guard, the Remington Trophy recognizes the nation’s top center. The redshirt senior impressed coaches and Southeastern Conference observers after moving to center during the Commodores’ recent spring practice. Pulley will replace three-year starter Joe Townsend at center.
Pulley is one of seven SEC standouts included in the preseason watchlist released today by the Rimington Trophy Committee. No other conference has more Rimington hopefuls.
A quiet leader on the Commodore offense, Pulley has been one of the team’s most dependable and consistent interior blockers since becoming a key contributor during the 2012 season. In 2014, he registered 28 pancake blocks and an additional 10 domination blocks. He started every game at guard as a junior.
In 2013, Pulley contributed 48 knockdown blocks, helping the Commodores to a 9-4 campaign and a victory in the BBVA Compass Bowl. He also started every game during the 2013 season. Pulley also earned four starts during the team’s 9-4 2012 season.
Pulley has played considerable snaps at center, serving as the team’s top reserve at the position for the last three seasons.
Pulley entered Vanderbilt off a stellar prep career at Evangelical Christian near Memphis where he was a first-team All-State selection and recipient of the Mr. Football Award given to the state’s Division II-Class A top lineman.
Pulley is one of nine offensive starters returning this season as the Commodores aim to rebound from a 3-9 campaign in 2014.
The team opens its season by hosting Western Kentucky on Saturday, Sept. 5. Other home games include Georgia, Sept. 12; Austin Peay, Sept. 9; Missouri, Oct. 24; Kentucky, Nov. 14; and Texas A&M, Nov. 21.
Vanderbilt season tickets are available online at vucommodores.com, by phone at (615) 322-GOLD (4653), or in person at the Athletic Box Office, 2601 Jess Neely Drive, Nashville.
