Someone once said it takes one to know one. That might apply to bikers and bandits and even quarterbacks.
Most of us probably haven’t considered what a quarterback must be, know and do to succeed. He must have intelligence, leadership ability, arm strength and some mobility. He must know all about his team and almost as much about his opponent. He must speed-read keys and process information in an instant – or faster. Decisions are so important.
He must be brave to a fault and great in the clutch. He depends on friends to protect his backside. He must deliver the ball accurately with rushers lunging for his eyes, ears and knees.
In addition to all that, he must never, ever fumble or throw to the wrong-colored shirt. And, he must keep his poise, get up and put himself back together when knocked down and stepped on.
There are valid reasons Tennessee still has four scholarship quarterbacks – Harrison Bailey, Joe Milton, Hendon Hooker and Brian Maurer – and three preferred walk-ons – Sully McDermott, Spencer Smith and UCF transfer Gaston Moore – doing homework, throwing to receivers and looking forward to what is to come.
There are reasons Tennessee has a commitment and is receiving real recruiting help from four-star prep quarterback Tayven Jackson of Greenwood, Indiana.
There are reasons the future looks better than the immediate past.
Reason No. 1 is Josh Heupel. All quarterbacks know that the Tennessee coach knows quarterbacks. He was one, good enough to lead Oklahoma to a national championship, good enough to finish second in voting for the Heisman Trophy.
The offense Heupel has since conceived and now directs is quarterback friendly. It is not based on rocket science. It is not mind-boggling. It was exciting and productive at Missouri and Central Florida. It racked up nationally significant numbers.
Offensive coordinator Alex Golesh, offensive line coach Glen Elarbee and quarterback coach Joey Halze are other reasons for Tennessee quarterback interest. All three were part of the good things that happened in the past five years.
There are reasons they remain together. Upward trajectory is one. Money is a companion.
Kodi Burns and his variety cast of receivers are encouraging to quarterbacks. The former Auburn wideout and Auburn assistant coach was not retained when the Tigers turned over their staff. He went to UCF just before Heupel came to Tennessee. Kodi, invited to come along for the ride, said why not?
So, what do we think of Tennessee quarterbacks? Just guessing there is no Peyton Manning in this group – or the immediate future. There might or might not be a Josh Dobbs.
Bailey has four-star talent and some starting experience. He appeared to be No. 1 in the Orange and White game. Accuracy is a plus.
We keep saying Maurer has potential. He is a really good athlete. He started four games in 2019. He has been up some and down more.
Hooker is a full-grown man, 6-4 and 220, going on 24 years old, probably a better runner than passer. He started 15 games at Virginia Tech. Experience shows. We don’t know for sure why he lost that job.
Heupel inherited those three. He wanted Milton, too. That could mean more that additional competition and depth. Joe is 6-5 and 243. He won the starting spot at Michigan in 2020 but the Wolverines struggled. He lost the job. Better coaching might make a big difference.
Your guess is as good as mine as to which quarterback emerges. I have more confidence in my next guess, that somebody will accomplish more than the dearly departed Jarrett Guarantano (bless his heart). What happened to him couldn’t have been all his fault.
If Heupel wants to use the present to set up the future, Bailey and Milton have the most eligibility. Jackson will have something to say about that. He is a big-time athlete, 6-5 and 195, strong arm, quick release, excellent feet, said to have a keen mental approach to the game.
Tayven is the best evidence so far that Heupel can recruit. Tayven came back to Knoxville on recruiting weekends to validate the sales pitch for others. He is obviously excited about the future.
Those on the roster have real reasons to be here. Numbers are strong. When Heupel was offensive coordinator at Missouri, Drew Lock led the SEC in passer rating and threw 44 touchdowns against 13 interceptions. At Central Florida in 2018, McKenzie Milton was the No. 2 passer in the American Athletic Conference, 25 touchdowns, six picks.
Heupel’s next quarterback, Dillon Gabriel, ranked second in 2019 and led the league in 2020. He had 61 touchdown passes, 7,223 yards and 11 interceptions in two seasons.
I know, I get it, the AAC is not the SEC.
Here are the keys to this Tennessee opportunity: Heupel wants a genuine competitor. He’ll be looking for a leader.
“He’s got to have 10 other guys around him playing at a really high level to have success.”
Heupel knows quarterbacks come in different sizes and shapes. He has won with different skill sets. The coach adjusts to take advantage of what the player can do best.
Tennessee’s quarterback will be a worker, come early, stay late. He will be smart. The QB must think like a coach. He must fully understand every play in his offense and all the disguises opposing defenses use. He’ll have no time to ponder. He must read and react.
It would be better if the Vols knew now who the starter will be. That doesn’t seem to trouble Heupel.
“We’ll find the right guy.”
Marvin West welcomes comments or questions from readers. His address is marviwest75@gmail.com.