Justin Worley Is Vols’ Starting QB For Now & Other Notes

Sep 21, 2013; Gainesville, FL, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Justin Worley (14) drops back during the second half against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the Tennessee Volunteers 31-17. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Butch Jones announced on Monday, at his weekly press conference, that Justin Worley is the Vol’s starting quarterback — for now.

Worley took over in the second half after Nathan Peterman was ineffective in his first career start. Peterman also suffered an injured ligament in his throwing hand during the loss to Florida. According to Jones, Peterman underwent surgery today and will be out at least four weeks.

Jones said the freshmen quarterbacks, Josh Dobbs and Riley Ferguson, will get equal and ample reps this week.

There’s certainly a chance that one of them could start against South Alabama, but it’s much more likely that Justin Worley will start and one of the true freshmen will see some time late in the game.

Notes From Butch Jones Presser

• Butch Jones urged students to sell-out the student section and said he needed to do a better job as the head coach of reaching out to students.
• Jones does not expect linebacker Curt Maggitt to play this week.
• Jones is encouraged by Corey Vereen’s progress and thought he set the edge well on Saturday, in limited action.
• Marlon Walls said he reached out to Florida QB Jeff Driskel about his broken leg.
• Jones said Ferguson traveling with team and Dobbs not traveling, had nothing to do with the order between the two.
• Tennessee-Georgia gametime (October 5) will be announced next Sunday. It will either be at 3:30 pm est on CBS or 7 pm est on ESPN.
• Devaun Swafford is now listed as the Vols’ starting nickelback.