Tennessee football: JT Shrout should get playing time in final four games
With only four games remaining on the season, Jeremy Pruitt should think about giving quarterbacks JT Shrout playing time.
Before the bashing begins, this isn’t what you think it is. I believe Jarrett Guarantano should be the starting quarterback. As much heat as he takes he is the best option for the Vols and continues to show he is improving. Is he perfect? No, but the kid can play. I think Tennessee still has the opportunity to make something of this season. They could win the rest of their games and finish 7-5 on the season.
However, I do think it is time for freshman quarterback JT Shrout to get game time experience. I’m not suggesting he should start or even split time with Guarantano. But, if the Vols get up big on Charlotte -which they should be- Shrout should be the first quarterback off the bench, not Keller Chryst.
I applaud Chryst for coming and giving his all for the Tennessee football program. He seems like he has a great head on his shoulders and he handled not being the starter very well. However, giving him playing time the rest of the season doesn’t help the future of the program.
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Over the summer, The Division I council approved a rule that would allow players to partake in up to four games and keep their redshirt for the season. It just so happens Tennessee has an excellent opportunity to take advantage of the new rule. Shrout has appeared in zero games, and with only four remaining, he could technically play in all four and still be a freshman next season.
Shrout was a three-star pro-style quarterback according to 247Sports. The 6-foot-3, 210 pound from Newhall, CA has a bright future with the football program, or at least that’s what all the coaches were reporting before the season started.
He has a big arm with great instincts and can make all the throws. It was clear he wasn’t going to play this season. But, now that there are only four more games left, could we see him thrown in on occasion? It sure makes sense to give him a shot, again if the game is out of reach. What can it hurt?
Next. Top 15 prospects for Vols to pursue in 2019. dark
Let’s say he comes in and looks decent. That only bodes well for the future of the football program. Jeremy Pruitt should at least take advantage of the new rule, that’s why it’s there.