Tennessee Vols QB signee Tayven Jackson has great response about Hendon Hooker's return to Knoxville
Four-star quarterback Tayven Jackson is the centerpiece of the Tennessee Vols' No. 14 ranked 2022 recruiting class. Jackson is the future of the quarterback position for the Volunteers. He's the first high school quarterback that UT head coach Josh Heupel has brought to Knoxville. Jackson was essentially handpicked to run Tennessee's up-tempo offense. But for […]
Four-star quarterback Tayven Jackson is the centerpiece of the Tennessee Vols' No. 14 ranked 2022 recruiting class.
Jackson is the future of the quarterback position for the Volunteers. He's the first high school quarterback that UT head coach Josh Heupel has brought to Knoxville. Jackson was essentially handpicked to run Tennessee's up-tempo offense.
But for now, this is Hendon Hooker's team. And while Jackson is eager to lead Tennessee, he's also excited to learn under Hooker in 2022.
Jackson spoke to Rivals.com this week about getting the opportunity to play behind Hooker for a year and soak up all that he can.
"Just learn under him…learn and take away what he has to say and just be a sponge around him," said Jackson. "He's a lot older and he's a role model, so I can't wait to meet him, see what he can do and what he can teach me."
Jackson also talked about how excited he is to play in Heupel's up-tempo offense.
"It's fast (Tennessee's offense) and throwing a lot, but they use Hendon a lot on his feet and I think that really brought out their offense," said Jackson. "They want to score points and I see myself doing what Hendon's doing in a couple of years. I'm very excited and ready to get there"
In the age of the NCAA transfer portal, it seems like players are expecting to start as true freshmen. And when they don't, they hit the portal looking for a program that will give them a starting job.
It doesn't appear that will be the case with Jackson. Sure, he wants to play as soon as possible. But he understands his role for now. And he's going to utilize Hooker as a resource to learn as much as possible before the starting job is his.
Jackson could end up being a great quarterback for the Volunteers. But if everything goes to plan — meaning Hooker stays healthy and effective — then Jackson won't see the field until 2023 at the earliest.
Featured image via Grace Hollars/IndyStar via Imagn Content Services
