Joey Halzle addresses change in Joe Milton as a leader

Tennessee offensive coordinator Joey Halzle has noticed a change in Joe Milton’s leadership abilities over the last year.

As the quarterback prepares to lead the Volunteers into battle in 2023, Halzle explained to the media what Milton is bringing to the table, and how he’s earning the respect of his teammates.

“I think it comes in a lot, like when you come in mid-year like him. Like he wasn’t even here in January, he was here in June,” Halzle said, harkening back to when Milton first arrived in Knoxville. “I think sometimes you have to be a little intrinsically focused, because you’re just trying to learn, and have the chance to go get on the field. Like it almost feels like you don’t have enough time to do that part of it, which is a huge part of having everyone bought into you as a person, as opposed to just you as a player.

“As he’s gotten more comfortable here, more comfortable in his role, his understanding of the offense has grown and grown. He’s not worried about that part of it. He’s been able to put some energy, and put a lot of his energy towards bringing the next group of guys along, and he’s got the type of real relationship with his fellow teammates.”

Alas, Milton has played in 31 games and made nine starts so far in his college career. During his time with the Vols, Milton has appeared in 17 games and made four starts. That includes last season when the Vols beat Clemson in the Orange Bowl.

Milton has a 5-4 record as a starting quarterback, including a 3-1 mark at Tennessee. He has passed for 1,346 yards and 12 touchdowns with zero interceptions over the past two seasons with the Vols.

2023 will be a big season for Joe Milton, and Tennessee’s confidence in his is unwavering. Time will tell if they’re right or wrong for sticking with their guy.

Joe Milton on being a mentor: ‘Nothing’s changed’

Continuing, Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton is moving back into a starting role this year after playing behind Hendon Hooker for most of the 2022 season.

Even though Milton is going from a reserve quarterback to a starter, he insists his mindset as far as being a mentor hasn’t changed.

“I did the same thing last year that I do today,” Milton said. “Nothing changed, man. I do the same thing.”

The former Michigan quarterback is a part of a talented quarterback room, which also includes freshman Nico Iamaleava. The California native was rated as a five-star recruit and the No. 6 overall player in the country for the class of 2023, according to the On3 Industry rankings. On3 ranked Iamaleava as the No. 1 overall player in the nation.

Milton believes he will be able to help Iamaleava and other young players on the team while serving as a mentor.

“I’ve been [a mentor] my whole life. I mean I’m the oldest of seven,” Milton said. “I’ve been that my whole life, so I’m comfortable with it.”