Tennessee football: Top five juniors for Vols 2019 season

KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 08: Jarrett Guarantano #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers looks to pass during a game against the East Tennessee State University Buccaneers at Neyland Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennesee won the game 59-3. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /

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Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images /

There are some drawbacks to Jarrett Guarantano’s play with Tennessee football despite all the hype. He is 6-12 as a starter and didn’t finish the game in one of his wins through two and a half seasons. And last year, he did direct an offense outside of the top 100 while throwing for less than 160 yards a game and only 12 touchdowns.

However, Guarantano still completed over 62 percent of his passes. He willed UT to victory at the Auburn Tigers. And with only three interceptions, he has a four-to-one touchdown to interception ratio. Combine that with his over eight yards an attempt, and the redshirt junior has proof that he can be an elite talent.

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With his big arm, Guarantano can be a great player, and Jeremy Pruitt’s constant faith in him has to be a huge deal. Add in Jim Chaney’s mind, and you could see a huge step forward this year for the MVP from the spring game.

Remember, Guarantano had the worst line last year holding him back. He was under pressure more than any SEC quarterback, but he also had the highest completion percentage while under pressure. So that’s another point in his favor, and with more help, he should take a huge step forward this year.

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