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Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton throws during NCAA college football practice on August 20, 2021 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee coach Josh Heupel named Milton, a transfer from Michigan, as his starting quarterback for the Volunteers season opener Thursday night. (Brianna Paciorka / News Sentinel via AP)
By AL LESAR Associated Press
KNOXVILLE, Tennessee (AP) – Tennessee coach Josh Heupel has named Joe Milton as the Volunteers’ starting quarterback four days before the season opener against Bowling Green.
Milton, who arrived on campus this spring after three years in Michigan, beat Harrison Bailey, who started three games for the Flights last season, and Hendon Hooker, who transferred from Virginia Tech in early January about 10 days before. the dismissal of coach Jeremy Pruitt. .
“Joe, his understanding of our offense in a short period of time, his growth in the middle of training camp, his physical attributes, his decision making, got us to hand the ball over to him.” Heupel said Monday.
Milton, 6-5, 244 pounds, started five of the Wolverines’ six games last season. Heupel said Milton led Unit 1 in training for the past 7-10 days leading up to matchweek.
Milton played four games in each of his first two seasons in Michigan. A powerful pitcher also capable of running, Milton was 80 of 141 for 1,077 yards with four touchdowns and four interceptions in the Big Ten season truncated by last year’s pandemic.
“Quarterback decision making is a must” Heupel said. “Guys who constantly make a bad decision are going to beat you. You have to put the ball back in the hands of the right players at the right time.
A 2000 Heisman Trophy finalist as a player in Oklahoma, Heupel engineered a prolific offense that totaled 544 yards and 43 points over the past three years at Central Florida. The design is for fast play that relies on quick quarterback decisions.
Milton was not available on Monday. Earlier in preseason, he spoke about how Tennessee’s new attack complimented his skills.
“You don’t have to be a robot in the field” said Milton. “This offense allows me to be who I am. Get out on the pitch, react and have fun.
Cedric Tillman, arguably one of Milton’s best receivers, is eagerly awaiting what they can become.
“I saw Joe and I chemistry develop after the first week of camp” Tillman said Monday. “Joe has a strong arm. As the season progresses, we will both improve.
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