Tennessee football’s five biggest spring practice position battles for 2022

4. Backup quarterback

Multiple positions should be on here. There are races for two spots at defensive back, and the linebackers, despite everybody returning, will also have a battle. However, Tennessee football doesn’t have all of its linebackers on the roster yet with William Mohan hurt and Kalib Perry not arriving until August.

Meanwhile, four defensive backs are out for spring ball in Brandon Turnage, Kamal Hadden, Warren Burrell and DeShawn Rucker, and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets transfer Wesley Walker also won’t arrive until the summer. As a result, that entire race is irrelevant.

Enter the backup quarterback situation. This year, things may be easier with Hendon Hooker locked in as the starter. But Joe Milton III, who started the season last year, Appalachian State Mountaineers transfer Navy Shuler, the son of UT legend Heath Shuler, and freshman Tayven Jackson, an elite prospect, will all compete to be his backup.

This is a crucial race, as the winner will be in line to compete for the starting role with Nico Iamaleava next year. Milton would seem like the favorite, but Jackson has all the potential, and Shuler does have the family legacy. As a result, pay attention to how this one turns out.