Ranking Tennessee football’s position units for 2022
1. Quarterback
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You can’t get a much better situation than what Tennessee football has at quarterback. Josh Heupel has a Heisman Trophy candidate in Hendon Hooker who had arguably the most efficient passing season in history with the Vols last year, and there’s a chance he breaks numerous records this year if fully healthy.
Behind Hooker, though, is the guy who started the season last year in Joe Milton III. Although Milton struggles with accuracy, he’s got a big arm, is mobile and usually makes the right decisions. Both of them seemed to shore up their weaknesses in the offseason, as all signs point to Milton improving his accuracy while Hooker focused on his pocket presence.
The selflessness, abilities, leadership and teamwork of both guys makes this the best unit on the roster alone. However, there’s more depth to help out. Tayven Jackson was a four-star in the Vols’ 2022 class and is Heupel’s first pickup ever at quarterback for UT on the recruiting trail.
Then there’s Appalachian State Mountaineers transfer Navy Shuler, the son of UT legend Heath Shuler. He doesn’t seem like a favorite to play, but his presence on the roster gives the Vols more depth to a unit that already seems to be set when it comes to skill and reliability.
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Hooker has a case to be the best player on the team. Combine that with Milton’s starting experience, and Tennessee football is in a good situation. Now, don’t get it twisted. Without Hooker, this unit is near the bottom, but his elite status combined with decent depth makes it the best unit on the team.