Vols Football: Josh Dobbs To Get First Team Reps This Week

Vols head coach Butch Jones stopped short of naming a starting quarterback for this Saturday’s game at South Carolina, but he did say that sophomore Josh Dobbs would continue to get first team reps this week in practice.

Jones said he planned to “up it” with Justin Worley in practice this week, to see where the senior quarterback is in his recovery from a shoulder injury (sustained against Ole Miss). He also added the staff would “name a starter when we need to, there’s no rush”.

It’s obvious that Jones wants to continue to breed competition at the quarterback position.

However, I think it’s also quite obvious that Josh Dobbs will be the guy moving forward, even if Worley is healthy.

And that’s no sleight to Justin Worley. He’s performed admirably behind an offensive line that’s left a lot to be desired in the first half of the season.

But it’s clear that Tennessee’s offense performed much better with Dobbs under center. The rushing game was more dynamic and the offensive line played their best game of the season (thanks to a quarterback that can run and a lineup shift due to injuries).

The biggest concern with Dobbs right now is his level of consistency. He was a bit off on several of his throws on Saturday night, which led Jones to say Dobbs “left plays out there”.

Josh Dobbs might not have been the best option for the Vols when the season started, but he’s certainly the best option to play the final four games as Tennessee’s starting quarterback.