Brock Vandagriff: A cautionary tale of system mismatch, redemption, and peace

Brock Vandagriff, a former five-star high school quarterback and one of the most promising prospects of his class, has officially stepped away from football. In an exclusive interview with The 700 Club, Vandagriff opened up about his journey through the highs and lows of his football career and the deeper purpose he’s discovered along the way.

The Early Days: A Star in High School

Reflecting on his high school career, Vandagriff admitted that success on and off the field had inflated his sense of self. “I hate the word ‘cocky,’ but I was definitely that in high school,” he shared. Vandagriff excelled at everything he touched, rarely facing resistance as he dominated opponents and earned accolades. He noted that football had become his idol and was above anything else in his life.

Testing Faith at Georgia

Vandagriff’s time at the University of Georgia tested him in ways he didn’t anticipate. Despite his lofty recruiting status, he never secured the starting quarterback role. Instead, he served as a backup, learning patience and humility while drawing closer to his faith. “It was a test of faith to not be the starter,” he said. “But through that, I learned to rely on Christ and not my own understanding.”

By the time he transferred to Kentucky, Vandagriff had already graduated from Georgia and had two years of eligibility left. He believed he was ready to play and eager to make an impact on the field. “I wanted to be productive somewhere,” he said, though his journey at Kentucky would prove to be just as challenging.

A Clash of Styles at Kentucky

Vandagriff’s arrival at Kentucky initially seemed promising. He had committed when Liam Coen, known for his creative, movement-based, balanced passing attack, was the offensive coordinator. Coen’s system appeared tailor-made for Vandagriff’s skill set. However, Coen departed for the NFL, and Brock found himself playing under Bush Hamdan, whose run-heavy offense was a stark contrast.

Hamdan’s approach limited Vandagriff’s opportunities to throw the ball, making it difficult to establish any rhythm. Any quarterback will struggle when they’re only throwing a handful of times a quarter or half. The offense’s struggles mirrored those of previous years under Mark Stoops’ leadership, with stagnant play-calling and an offensive line that couldn’t provide consistent protection.

Kentucky’s offense under Hamdan ranked among the worst in the SEC:

• Points per game: 23.4 (13th in the SEC)
• Passing yards per game: 187.3 (12th in the SEC)
• Sacks allowed: 33, one of the highest in the conference

In a pivotal game against Tennessee, Vandagriff was knocked out due to poor protection, a moment emblematic of the challenges he faced at Kentucky. The system and circumstances simply didn’t allow him to showcase the talents that had made him a star in high school.

Faith Over Football

Despite the disappointment on the field, Vandagriff remained anchored in his faith. “Just being able to know I serve a sovereign God, knowing that I’ve been gifted with talent to play football and a platform to spread the good news, has kept me grounded,” he shared.

He acknowledged that football was just a small chapter in his life. “College football is just a little blip—four or five years, that’s it.” As the season concluded, a UK spokesperson announced that Vandagriff had decided to retire from football rather than enter the transfer portal.

Vandagriff now plans to focus on his faith and his love for the outdoors. “I love being in God’s creation, 30 feet up in a tree” he said, clearly at peace with his decision.

While Brock Vandagriff’s football career didn’t pan out the way many envisioned, his journey speaks to a larger purpose. He has shifted his focus from touchdowns to testimonies, using his platform to inspire others. “I love football… I'm just ready for it,” he said back in August, now he has seemingly fell out of love with the game after just 1 season at Kentucky. Now, he’s ready for what comes next, embracing a life centered on faith, family, and the outdoors.

Vandagriff’s story serves as a reminder that success isn’t always measured in statistics or trophies. Sometimes, it’s about finding peace and purpose beyond the game.