Hendon Hooker makes very strong statement about Joe Milton while laying out his expectations for Tennessee in 2023
The Tennessee Vols are expected to roll with Joe Milton as their starting quarterback in 2023. The redshirt senior will take the reigns of the offense from Hendon Hooker, who led the Vols to several memorable wins in 2022 before suffering a torn ACL in Tennessee's loss to South Carolina. Milton started the Vols' final […]
The Tennessee Vols are expected to roll with Joe Milton as their starting quarterback in 2023.
The redshirt senior will take the reigns of the offense from Hendon Hooker, who led the Vols to several memorable wins in 2022 before suffering a torn ACL in Tennessee's loss to South Carolina.
Milton started the Vols' final two games last season, leading Tennessee to a road win against Vanderbilt and a win against Clemson in the Orange Bowl.
Hooker, who was selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions, was recently asked by "The Spun" about his expectations for Milton in 2023.
The former Tennessee star made it clear that he's expecting to see big things from Milton this fall while boldly claiming that his former teammate is the best quarterback in the nation.
"I’m expecting a national championship, I’m expecting a Heisman Trophy, I’m expecting the real deal," said Hooker. "He’s the best quarterback in the nation, there’s no question about it. If there are questions about that, we need to go back and watch the film. He’s the best quarterback in the nation and he’s going to do some great things. I’ve learned a lot from Joe. I talk to him all the time so when he goes through this process he can dominate."
Milton won't be shying away from Hooker's expectations. That's because Milton recently revealed similar goals on national television.
"It’s all about the team at this point," said Milton during a recent appearance on NFL Network. "We’ve got three rings to chase for and everything else will just fall in place. If the Heisman comes up, then it comes up. At the same time, if we’re winning then it’s just going to take care of it.”
Not many analysts are giving the Vols a legitimate shot to compete for a national championship in 2023. But that doesn't matter to Tennessee — in fact, they thrive on being doubted.
A lot will have to go right for Tennessee to truly compete for a national title this fall, but I wouldn't rule this Vols team out. They seem to have a tendency under Josh Heupel to exceed expectations.
