Oct 19, 2013; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Butch Jones reacts during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Butch Jones has no clue who his starting quarterback will be on August 30 against Utah State.
At least if he does, he’s not sharing it with anyone.
Jones was coy when asked about the quarterback situation this past Saturday, giving quite the politician’s answer.
"Jones: I’ve really been pleased so far with the play of all four quarterbacks…I’m very encouraged. I think we have a great competitive battle going there and it’s an illustration- when you have competition at positions, every individual, if they’re a great competitor, they improve. All four of these individuals are improving each and every day."
You’d be foolish to think that Jones doesn’t have a front-runner in mind, but I truly believe he is far from deciding who his starter will be for the opener.
With all the newcomers already on campus and the additional newcomers that will be on campus in the fall, the Vols need to have their on-field general in place ASAP.
Regardless of whether it ends up being Justin Worley, Riley Ferguson, Josh Dobbs or Nate Peterman, someone needs to step up.
The Vols’ are full of youth this season and leadership will be hard to come by. The longer the quarterback battle goes, the harder it will be for the first-team unit to build continuity and chemistry.
Last season it took about a month for the Vols to hit their stride with Justin Worley as their quarterback.
Tennessee can avoid that lull in production this season by naming their starting quarterback at the end of spring practice. It would take a lot of pressure off the eventual starting quarterback and allow them to focus on learning/perfecting the offense.
Butch Jones would serve himself well by naming a starter after the Orange & White game.
Whether or not he does that, however, is anyone’s guess.