Freshman Faizon Brandon has won the starting quarterback job at Tennessee. Josh Heupel told the team Monday morning. Nobody seemed too surprised.
Based on what I’ve heard, I think the coach got it right.
Faizon won the competition with sophomore George MacIntyre that started in January. He demonstrated an edge in downfield passing and running ability and put in hours and hours of extra work to catch up on the nuances of the Heupel offense.
I liked the fact that Brandon sat steady in the boat as Joey Aguilar sought an extra year of eligibility through the courts. Joey was denied.
Brandon didn’t say peep as Heupel looked in the transfer portal for an experienced quarterback. It was convenient that the coach didn’t find one that wanted to wear orange or that he could afford.
Faizon apparently moved ahead of George in spring practice. He apparently maintained or opened that lead in the first three weeks of August. MacIntyre competed. Unfortunately, he lost a couple more interceptions and failed to connect on as many long passes.
Heupel had said the starting quarterback had to win the job in the eyes of his teammates. We’ll find out later what the Vols think of the coach’s decision.
Assuming he answers the opening bell on September 5 against Furman, Brandon will become part of Tennessee football history. Brent Schaeffer was the only previous true freshman quarterback to start in a season opener. That was in 2004.
Heupel said he told the team that Faizon had earned the right to be the starter Week 1.
“Every position is week-to-week. We named him starter because we believe in the work that he’s put in and how he’s continued to grow and play throughout training camp and the second scrimmage. He’s earned that right. But just like every position, you can consistently evaluate.”
Heupel was asked what gave Brandon the edge.
“I don’t think there’s just one thing … I think it was all, his control, command of what we’re doing offensively, in run game, the RPO game, the drop back, play action. Combine that with fundamentals, technique, pocket awareness, you put all those things together, decision-making, taking care of the football while still allowing his playmakers to make plays down the field.
“You look at the total volume of work and he’s earned the right to start.”
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