Projected backups
1. J.T. Shrout
Redshirt Freshman; 6’3″ 213 lbs; Santa Clarita, Calif.
A three-star recruit in the 2018 recruiting class, Jeremy Pruitt parted ways with two four-star quarterbacks who were committed to Butch Jones when he took over and then went for J.T. Shrout. So clearly he saw something in the guy, and that puts pressure on Pruitt for Shrout to emerge as a solid backup for Tennessee football after redshirting last year.
Despite being a three-star, Shrout has a ton of pro potential and has shown to have a very big arm as well. As a result, he is the perfect type of quarterback for Jim Chaney. That will be very useful as he backs up Jarrett Guarantano this year. He should win the No. 2 job after a year in the system, and his similarities to Guarantano’s style should allow for some continuity if something happens.
2. Brian Maurer
Freshman; 6’3″ 193 lbs; Ocala, Fla.
During the spring game, Brian Maurer had moments in which he showed he could have a solid command of the offense. A three-star true freshman commitment to this class, Jim Chaney went up-tempo with Maurer, and it actually worked early on. He doesn’t have J.T. Shrout’s arm, but such a command of the offense can be a big plus.
Maurer still should be the No. 2 backup and No. 3 on the list given J.T. Shrout’s experience, arm strength, similarities to Guarantano and Jim Chaney’s preferences. But watch out to see if Maurer can make any push in Fall camp.