Josh Heupel identifies Vols signee that will have to get up to speed the fastest
The Tennessee Volunteers' 2024 early signing class is basically complete, and there are a number of new signees who could have a significant impact next fall. However, there is one who likely – hopefully – won't see the field much in 2024, but he's still one that must get up to speed very quickly, per […]
The Tennessee Volunteers' 2024 early signing class is basically complete, and there are a number of new signees who could have a significant impact next fall.
However, there is one who likely – hopefully – won't see the field much in 2024, but he's still one that must get up to speed very quickly, per Josh Heupel.
Heupel met with the media on Wednesday, and he responded to a question about incoming quarterback Jake Merklinger that the young signal caller will need to learn fast.
"Yeah, he's going to have to grow really quickly," Heupel said. "He'll get spoon fed as we start here in January and grow into spring football. Smart, competitive. He's got good fundamentals. We've got to refine some of those things. He's already been working on those since he stepped foot on campus. But his football IQ, his ability to retain information, process out on the football field. He's a winner. He's competitive. He's got the right makeup."
Merklinger is a 6'3", 190-pound four-star quarterback out of Calvary Day School in Savannah, Georgia. He chose the Vols back in March 2023 over offers from Georgia, Auburn, Miami, Florida, Ole Miss, and UNC, among many others.
It's understandable why Heupel specifically mentioned the urgency of Merklinger getting up to speed. At this point, he appears to be the leader in the clubhouse for the backup quarterback position behind Iamaleava based on the current roster. Navy Shuler, Ryan Damron, and Gaston Moore are the other remaining quarterbacks on the roster, and all are walk ons. Merklinger is already on campus with a number of other new signees and practicing with the team.
From what Heupel said today there isn't much chance the Vols get a skilled veteran through the transfer portal. When asked if it's tougher to get an experienced QB through the portal with Iamaleava in town, Heupel smiled and said, "yes sir, it is."
But Merklinger is already working to become a guy the Vols can turn to with confidence in the event Iamaleava goes down. He simply has to be ready to take that big spoonful of information that Heupel and his staff are about to shove into his mouth.
3 Tennessee Vols signees that could make an instant impact in 2024
Most of the Vols’ 2024 recruiting class is now in place
