Hometown: Lodi, N.J.
After confirming that he is set in stone as Tennessee football’s starter entering the 2020 season, Jeremy Pruitt has reaffirmed the confidence that he, Jim Chaney and Chris Weinke all have in Jarrett Guarantano. Entering his fifth-year season season, this is the first time Guarantano has a returning offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in his career on Rocky Top.
Despite all the turmoil he’s suffered, he has still managed to complete over 60 percent of his passes, average over eight yards an attempt and have 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions over the past two years. With elite playmakers at receiver, the key for him has been to have a big arm and be able to stand in the pocket and take hits.
Those things can overcome Guarantano’s accuracy issues, but the question this year is if the new receivers replacing Jauan Jennings and Marquez Callaway can be as effective at winning jump-balls. If they are, Guarantano should take a major leap forward given his familiarity with the system in Chaney’s pro-style offense now. That could be great news for the Vols.
The product of Bergen Catholic High School in New Jersey is destined to become a leader of the team this year. Sure, Brian Maurer and J.T. Shrout both started games over him last year, and Harrison Bailey brings all the hype. Guarantano, however, has demonstrated his mental toughness, and his team respects him. This is his chance to cash in on all of that.