Vanderbilt football could use women's soccer player as placekicker

The Vanderbilt Commodores could make history during Saturday's game at the Missouri Tigers more so out of necessity than a desire to rewrite record books. 

According to student newspaper The Vanderbilt Hustler, Vanderbilt women's soccer starting goalkeeper Sarah Fuller practiced with the men's football team on Tuesday because many of its specialists are quarantined due to COVID-19 protocols.

Her participation is no gimmick, as head coach Derek Mason could look to Fuller to handle kicking duties at Missouri. It's widely believed she would be the first woman to compete in an official Power Five football game. 

"She's got a strong leg. We'll see what that yields," Mason explained during an appearance on radio station 102.5 The Game in Nashville, according to Alex Scarborough of ESPN. "... Sarah's an option. She seems to be a pretty good option, so we'll figure out what that looks like on Saturday.

“Right now, we’re just looking at all options,” Mason added. “For us, talking to Sarah, she’s a champ, and no pun intended. Just coming off an SEC Championship in soccer… She’s a complete competitor. She’s an option for us. Right now, that’s where we sit.”

Vanderbilt players have thus far converted only three of seven field goals this season for the 0-7 Commodores. Fuller may start Saturday afternoon as an emergency kicker and end the day with a new full-time gig if she wants it.