Tennessee football: Ranking position groups by spring practice play
2. Quarterbacks
Obviously, this was the biggest story surrounding Tennessee football heading into spring practice. Josh Heupel was supposed to have open competition among four quarterbacks, including two returners, a four-star recruit and a graduate transfer.
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That obviously turned into three after signee Kaidon Salter was suspended, and Salter has since been dismissed for a new off-field issue. Still, even with his dismissal, the Vols weren’t at full strength, Michigan Wolverines transfer Joe Milton is set to arrive and compete in fall camp. So spring practice saw three of four quarterbacks compete.
Well, all of them were solid. Outside of a rough scrimmage from Virginia Tech Hokies transfer Hendon Hooker, they each showed their strengths. Hooker is a dual-threat and had two total touchdowns in the spring game to offset a pick-six. Brian Maurer had one touchdown and no turnovers. Both showed they could run Heupel’s offense.
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Harrison Bailey, however, was the star. He was the best performer throughout the spring, and he had two touchdowns and no turnovers in the spring game. With him playing elite and the other two playing solid, this unit was elite the whole time. When Milton arrives, it’s s safe bet that with Heupel coaching, this could be the strongest group on the roster.