Josh Heupel happy with quarterbacks’ play after first scrimmage

Josh Heupel’s Volunteers had their first preseason scrimmage on Thursday, and the new coach gave near-equal reps to his three quarterbacks: Harrison Bailey, Virginia Tech transfer Hendon Hooker and Michigan transfer Joe Milton. He was pleased with all performances.

“I thought [Milton] managed things really well inside the pocket,” Heupel said. “For Joe, Hendon and Harrison, some of it’s tough because you’re not in a live situation. … But I thought all of them did a great job of taking care of the football, being efficient in calling it. For the most part, I thought their decision making in what we’re doing in the run game and controlling the pass game was pretty solid.

There is disagreement over who will start in Knoxville this season. 

Former 4-star prospect Bailey started Tennessee’s final three games last season over Jarrett Guarantano, who left Tennessee for Washington State. Bailey threw for 578 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions. 

“Bailey showed accuracy and poise as a true freshman, but he struggled with downfield passing,” said USA Today SEC columnist Brian Toppmeyer. “He said during an interview last week that his mechanics got out of whack last season, affecting his deep ball, but he believes he’s corrected those mechanics in the offseason.”

Hooker and Milton are both dual-threat options for Heupel. Hooker started seven games for the Hokies last year, throwing for 1,339 yards and nine touchdowns plus nine scores on the ground. He was the starter in Blacksburg for eight games in 2019 as well. Milton started five of Michigan’s six games last year and threw for 1,077 yards and four touchdowns. Accuracy issues plagued him – his completion percentage was just 56.7% – and he threw four interceptions.

Whoever starts under center will be working with inexperienced receivers. Senior Velus Jones returns, but he had just 22 receptions last season. Cedric Tillman and JaVonta Payton are expected to play big roles as well.

Josh Heupel to the offensive rescue

Heupel, whose UCF offense averaged 44.3 points per game last season and 43.4 points per game in 2019, will look to transform a Tennessee offense that has struggled mightily in recent years. Last season, the Volunteers averaged just 21.5 points per game. That was 12th in the SEC only ahead of Mississippi State and Vanderbilt. 

Tennessee finished last season 3-7. They were decimated by the transfer portal; nearly 30 players have entered the portal since December.

The Volunteers will scrimmage again on Tuesday, and their first game is three weeks from today against Bowling Green.