After leading the Vanderbilt Commodores to their best season in program history, quarterback Diego Pavia joined D1 founder and CEO Will Bartholomew for the ninth episode of The Turf: Powered By D1.

The Heisman Trophy finalist reflected on everything that's brought him here just one month before the NFL Draft.

Here are some of the key takeaways from the episode, which was filmed on location at D1 Westchase in Oldsmar, Fla.:

Watch/Listen to The Turf: Powered By D1 on Apple, Spotify and YouTube

1. Make Your Own Luck; Bet On Yourself

Growing up in New Mexico, Pavia didn't have access to top-of-the-line training. Instead, he worked with his brother in their backyard.

Opinions are just that: opinions. “If you let someone else's opinion judge who you're going to become or who you're going to be, that'll eat you alive and you'll spiral.”

Pavia did anything to get on the field early. At JUCO, he played quarterback, receiver, tight end and even special teams to prove himself.

“Once you get your opportunity, just don't look back.”

2. A True Competitor

Pavia doesn't shy away from the big moments, he embraces them.

“That's why I played quarterback - I want the ball in my hands in the biggest situations. Every teammate looking at me like, ‘You gotta make the play now.’ It's like, ‘Hey, it’s up to you.' And I'm like, ‘This is my time to shine. Let’s do it.'”

It's his mindset that gives him his competitive edge.

“I hate losing more than I like winning.”

3. Development Over Hype

Pavia took the unconventional route on his journey to becoming an SEC star.

As he progressed, he understood the importance of all aspects of athleticism: mobility, flexibility and strength training.

His advice: build the foundation, and refine the details after.

4. Faith And Family

Pavia was introduced to his faith during his freshman year at JUCO, furthered it throughout his collegiate career and it became something for him to rely on through the ups and downs.

“It's kind of cliché when people say just give it to God, but I really believe that.”

His family was always there for him before anyone else, and he wanted to pay off their sacrifices.

“My brothers, when we got older and they were able to drive, they would miss some of their events to take me, you know what I mean? So, it was just a sacrifice and I felt like I had to make it.”

5. Advice For Young Athletes

Pavia was not a highly-touted prospect coming out of high school, and he proved you don't need to be.

His advice for athletes entering college: go where you can play, even if it means playing by any means necessary like he did, stay consistent and keep improving every day.

“You can really make it from anywhere nowadays.”

Watch/Listen to The Turf: Powered By D1 on Apple, Spotify and YouTube

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