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Tennessee football’s five biggest spring practice storylines for 2022

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel greets players at Tennessee Vols football first spring practice, Tuesday, March 22, 2022.Kns Vols Spring Parctice Cm
Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel greets players at Tennessee Vols football first spring practice, Tuesday, March 22, 2022.Kns Vols Spring Parctice Cm /
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Tennessee quarterback Tayven Jackson (10) is seen during the first spring practice at University of Tennessee, Tuesday, March 22, 2022.TennesseeSpringPractice0322
Tennessee quarterback Tayven Jackson (10) is seen during the first spring practice at University of Tennessee, Tuesday, March 22, 2022.TennesseeSpringPractice0322 /

4. What does the quarterback race look like with a guaranteed starter?

Last year, Tennessee football entered spring ball with the idea that five quarterbacks would be competing for the starting job. However, only three of them were actually able to take part in those practices: Harrison Bailey, Brian Maurer and Hendon Hooker.

Freshman phenom Kaidon Salter was supposed to take part but missed all of spring ball due to a suspension. Also Michigan Wolverines transfer Joe Milton III hadn’t enrolled yet. By the start of the season, though, there were just three quarterbacks, as another suspension got Salter suspended, and Maurer transferred. Milton got the nod.

Of course, as we know, Hooker took the job in September and never let it go. Bailey has since transferred. Now, Hooker enters spring practice as the clear starter after deciding to return for his super senior year. Milton, freshman Tayven Jackson and Appalachian State Mountaineers transfer Navy Shuler are all on the roster as well.

The race for the No. 2 quarterback is on, but another big question about spring ball is how Heupel will operate practices now that he has a clear-cut starter. Is it important to develop Hooker further with more first-team reps, or is it more important to find the right backup? That’ll dictate UT’s depth this fall and what the future looks like, so keep an eye on it.

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