CJ Heard, Vanderbilt S: the 2026 season story
CJ Heard is a junior defensive back for Vanderbilt (SEC). He ranks 47th of 1,841 defensive backs in Division I by the Player Index, which judges every defensive back on the measures that matter at the position, adjusted for the opponents he faced.
Scouting report
Why it matters. Knowing the one or two things a player does best, and where he is ordinary, says more than any single total. CJ Heard's strongest measure is tackles per game at 7.2, 25th of 921 (the average is 3.7). Even his lowest-ranked one is good: interceptions per game at 0.10, 339th of 921 (the average is 0.08).
Season production
Why it matters. Totals reward staying healthy and getting the ball; per-game numbers show how much he really carries each week. His tackles per game, 7.2, ranks 25th among 921 ranked defensive backs.
Against every defensive back
Why it matters. Splitting the measures into how much, how well and how many big plays shows what kind of defensive back he is. Among ranked defensive backs he sits, on average, in the 97th percentile for volume, 84th for efficiency and 77th for impact.
The season, game by game
Why it matters. A season average can hide a player who is great one week and absent the next; game by game shows how dependable he is. Over 9 games, CJ Heard's best came in week 6 against Ole Miss and his quietest in week 10 at Mississippi State.
Where he does his damage
Why it matters. Where and how a player makes his plays shows how his team uses him and what a defense has to take away.
National and conference
Why it matters. A national rank shows how a player stacks up beyond his own league, where the competition can be very different. CJ Heard is 44th of 921 FBS defensive backs and 7th of 106 in the SEC. Next up nationally is Emmanuel Karnley of Washington, 0.00 ahead on the index.
Career
Why it matters. Past seasons show whether this year is a breakout, a steady climb or a step back. This is his best season by the Player Index so far, out of 3 we have.
Defensive backs like him
Why it matters. Comparing a player with his closest statistical matches puts his season in context beyond the rankings. His closest match this season is Harrison Keith of Dartmouth.
