Josh Heupel was not ready to name a starting quarterback for Tennessee following the team’s scrimmage Saturday. But, the Tennessee coach was encouraged by each of the QBs throwing the ball and showcasing their skills.
It’s presumed UCLA transfer Joey Aguilar will be the starter this season. Aguilar left Appalachian State for the Bruins this offseason and was set to start out west until former Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleavea transferred this spring, taking up another spot in the UCLA room.
Ironically, Aguilar ended up in Knoxville. But as Heupel said, he’s competing with Jake Merklinger and freshman George MacIntyre.
“I’m not naming a starter today, but all three of those guys have shown some really good characteristics of doing some special things with the ball,” Heupel said. “Also managing the game, eliminating negatives. And there’s some things that each of them collectively as a group, we got to get better at. And that’s always the nature of this point in training camp.”
As far as the reps are concerned, don’t expect any changes. Heupel didn’t want to jump the gun.
“We haven’t got a chance to go watch tape,” Heupel said. “I don’t anticipate us dramatically changing the reps right now.”
Aguilar was highly productive during his time at App State. In two seasons, he had 6,760 yards, 56 touchdowns, 24 interceptions and a 60.1% completion percentage. Aguilar also ran for 452 yards and five scores.
“With what we’re doing offensively in our installs, from protections to run games, controlling it, and what he’s seen on the other side of the football, how multiple he’s been here in the early part of training camp, I really like overall what he’s done,” Heupel said of Aguilar. “There’s still more for him within the structure and the details of it, but I like what he’s done.”
Overall, the team has shown progress through fall camp. After a good amount of roster changes, Tennessee would love to showcase this new group in the College Football Playoff for the second straight year. But Heupel is taking it one step at a time.
“There has been good growth. Practices have been competitive,” Heupel said. “They’ve been physical, good fundamental and technique growth, which ultimately leads you to be in a position to go make play plays in all phases of the game. We still have a lot left individually and collectively by unit, to continue to be our best. So a growth mindset and let’s continue to push.”