Josh Heupel assesses the play of each of his quarterbacks

There’s no doubt that Hendon Hooker is heading into the 2022 college football season as Tennessee‘s starting quarterback. After putting together a standout season in 2021 and then making the decision to return to Knoxville, Volunteers’ head coach Josh Heupel has no choice but to send Hooker out onto the field as his starter for the upcoming campaign.

Hooker – who threw for 2,945 yards and 31 touchdowns compared to only three interceptions last season – had thought about entering the NFL Draft, but ultimately decided to come back to Tennessee for one last ride. While the former On3 Consensus four-star recruit is back to lead the Volunteers, Heupel also has some solid backup quarterbacks on his roster.

While the redshirt senior Hooker holds the title of Quarterback No. 1, Tennessee’s primary two backup quarterbacks are fellow redshirt senior Joe Milton and On3 Consensus four-star freshman Tayven Jackson – giving Heupel two strong options if Hooker ever needs to be taken out of a game.

Meeting with the media following Tennessee’s spring practice scrimmage on Saturday, Heupel assessed the play of each of his quarterbacks and what stood out to him.

“I thought Hendon did a really good job managing some things,” Heupel said. “Joe made a bunch of plays today – scrambled, deep throw down the middle of the football field. He’s been really consistent throughout spring practice. Tayven is a young guy who continues to get a bunch of reps. He’s learning from every single one of them – just like all of our young guys.

“The game – there’s a lot of moving parts, and it’s true at the quarterback position. I love that he’s resilient, comes back and competes the next play, no matter what’s gone on the previous play. He’s got a bright future.”

Tennessee is scheduled to kickoff its 2022 season on Saturday, Sept. 3 against Ball State at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville.