Diego Pavia’s height has been a major debate in recent days following the Heisman Trophy ceremony.
Pavia, who is listed at 6’0″ on Vanderbilt’s website, appeared shorter than fellow finalists Jeremiyah Love, who also is listed at 6’0″, and Julian Sayin, who is 6’1″, according to Ohio State’s website.
According to Ryan Roberts of A to Z Sports, Pavia’s official measurements from the spring came out to be 5’9 3/4″. ESPN’s Ryan McGee noted in August that “most everyone lists him at 5-10 … but, when a 5-10 sportswriter looks him in the eye, he might be 5-9.” Teresa Walker of the Associated Press reported that Pavia “has allowed he’s been measured a smidge under” 5’10”.
Pavia’s real height will likely be revealed at the NFL combine this spring. If he exaggerated his height up to 6’0″, he wouldn’t be the first player on the shorter side to do so.
But Pavia made up for his height with his play this season. The Commodores star threw for 3,192 yards, 27 touchdowns and eight interceptions, adding 826 rushing yards and nine scores on the ground.
He helped lead Vanderbilt to a 10-2 record and became the school’s first Heisman Trophy finalist, though Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza took home the award.
Pavia’s height could end up taking a toll on his draft stock this spring, but scouts who have watched most of his snaps in detail this season were likely already aware that Pavia isn’t quite 6’0″.