Former UT QB Tayven Jackson makes strong statement about Vols' coaches after transferring to Indiana
The Tennessee Vols suffered a key loss just after the 2022 season when quarterback Tayven Jackson entered the NCAA transfer portal. Jackson, a former four-star recruit who was a true freshman for the Vols last season, likely would've been the No. 3 quarterback on Tennessee's depth chart (behind Joe Milton and Nico Iamaleava) in 2023. […]
The Tennessee Vols suffered a key loss just after the 2022 season when quarterback Tayven Jackson entered the NCAA transfer portal.
Jackson, a former four-star recruit who was a true freshman for the Vols last season, likely would've been the No. 3 quarterback on Tennessee's depth chart (behind Joe Milton and Nico Iamaleava) in 2023.
So it makes sense that Jackson transferred to Indiana to play for Tom Allen (Jackson is from Greenwood, IN).
Ahead of the start of the 2023 season, Jackson spoke with WISH-TV and he was asked about his time at Tennessee and what he learned while playing for the Vols.
Jackson had some extremely positive things to say about Tennessee's coaches — especially offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Joey Halzle and offensive analyst Mitch Militello.
"Coach Halzle and Coach Mitch are great quarterback coaches, great offensive geniuses," said Jackson. "And what I learned from them is really just how to approach the game. Just how to approach the game right and know what to take in and what not to take in and how to be a pro. How to study well. How to, you know, block out the outside noise and just try to really understand and grasp what we're doing. And they taught me that well and I couldn't thank them enough. They're great coaches. I still think that quarterback room and the way they coach their kids is the best in the nation. So I hope that they have a great season."
That's certainly high praise coming from a player who is no longer in Tennessee's program. And it's clear that Jackson has a lot of respect for the Vols' coaching staff and the way they coached him as a true freshman in 2022.
Unfortunately for Jackson, only one player can take snaps as the Vols' starting quarterback. And it was going to be a tough hill to climb for Jackson to be that guy due to Milton's experience and Iamaleava's five-star pedigree.
Jackson, however, is player that has the talent to be a star in college football. And it certainly wouldn't be a surprise to see him light up the Big 10 once he gets his chance with the Hoosiers.
Tennessee legend Peyton Manning gets one-upped by his nephew Arch Manning
Tennessee Vols legend Peyton Manning was one-upped by his nephew, Texas QB Arch Manning, this week
Featured image via Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
