ESPN shares expectations for Joe Milton in 2023

Joe Milton is the guy for Tennessee and could make or break the 2023 season for the Volunteers after turning heads last fall.

Milton came in for an injured Hendon Hooker and steered the ship. But, he’s the captain now.

ESPN’s Chris Low shared the expectations around Milton and the Tennessee program going into the new season.

“Heupel and the entire offensive staff are excited to see Milton operate now that he knows (and the team knows) that he’s clearly the man at quarterback,” Low wrote. “Milton beat out Hooker as the starter when he transferred from Michigan, but it became clear a few games into the 2021 season that Hooker was the better quarterback.

“Milton knows the 2023 season is his chance to make the kind of jump that Hooker did, and at 6-5, 242 pounds and with an arm that’s one of the strongest in college football, Milton has the tools to blossom into one of the top quarterbacks in the country.”

Milton’s dual threat ability in certain situations is key for the Volunteers. Low pointed out the pros and cons.

“He will also be valuable in short-yardage situations with his ability to run but consistency will be the key. He has to prove he can do it over the course of the entire season, and all the while, the Vols know they have their quarterback of the future ready (Nico Lamaleava) if Milton stumbles or experiences injury problems.”

Milton finished last season 53-of-82 passing (64.6%), 971 yards, 10 touchdowns, zero interceptions and 77 rushing yards. With that stat line coming off the bench in place of Hooker,  Milton might put up Heisman-worthy numbers in 2023.

“I felt great,” Milton said after the spring game. “Everybody had opportunities to see, everybody had the opportunity to define themselves as a Tennessee Vol. I feel like it was great.”

Milton was also very high on Tennessee offensive coordinator Joey Halzle. It sounds like the Volunteers’ offense could be just as good.

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“Coach Halzle? Everybody messes up but, with that guy, it seems to be kind of hard (to) mess up. I’m not jinxing us,” Milton said. “It’s just hard to see him mess up, man, just because he prepares the right way. He’s always in the building, even though he’s a coach. He’s always trying to get ready.”