Tennessee Football: Joe Milton and High Expectations for the 2023 Season

Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton warms up during a Tennessee Football fall practice, Friday, Aug. 4, 2023.
Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton warms up during a Tennessee Football fall practice, Friday, Aug. 4, 2023.

Tennessee Football returns in less than two weeks, and expectations for Quarterback Joe Milton are at an all-time high.

From the moment Joe Milton took over the Volunteers’ offense in the Orange Bowl last season, there was no doubt that Hendon Hooker’s legacy season last year was just the beginning for Tennessee Football. Big names across the country have high expectations, and in just a few days, the world will see if Joe Milton can live up to all the hype this year.

What should Tennessee Football anticipate from QB1 Joe Milton this year?

Joe Milton III is originally from Florida and began his career at the University of Michigan in 2018. After Two seasons with the Wolverines, he transferred to Tennessee in 2021.

According to Jordan Rodgers from SEC Network:

"“Joe Milton is hands down the most talented QB in the country and it’s not even close.”"

At 6’5, 245 lbs, Milton III is known for his size and incredible arm strength. He has a reputation for being able to throw the ball deep and has even coined the nickname “Bazooka Joe.”

A reporter at SEC Media Days told Joe Milton that he had “Maybe the strongest arm in College Football.” Joe replied with one of the most iconic comebacks of all time by saying, “Ain’t no maybe.”

On and off the field, Joe Milton continues to lead by example and is the glue that keeps this Tennessee Football team together. In the Orange & White game, he put on a show, completing 9 of 13 passes for 79 yards and a touchdown.

Reflecting on Joe Milton’s accuracy after the summer camp, head coach Josh Heupel shared the following:

"“Joe was really accurate and has been a good decision-maker. I don’t know if he has thrown a pick during camp.”"

Milton also played in the Orange Bowl last year for Tennessee Football due to a knee injury from starting quarterback Hendon Hooker. The former Michigan transfer was named Orange Bowl MVP after completing 19 of 28 passes for 251 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. He also ran for 5 yards on 11 carries.

Building on his remarkable performance from the previous year and his continued success during training camp, ESPN has recently bestowed upon Joe Milton the title of the single most pivotal player in the 2023 College Football Playoff Race.

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