Josh Heupel details how a ‘disappointed’ George MacIntyre has responded to Faizon Brandon being named Tennessee’s starting QB
True freshman Faizon Brandon beat out redshirt freshman George MacIntyre in the Tennessee Volunteers’ starting quarterback competition.
Redshirt freshman George MacIntyre entered spring practice as the favorite to win the Tennessee Vols’ starting quarterback competition.
True freshman Faizon Brandon, however, ended up winning the job after a strong spring and an even stronger fall camp.
MacIntyre played well, but Brandon’s elite playmaking ability won out in the end.
Josh Heupel details how George MacIntyre has responded to Faizon Brandon winning the job
MacIntyre is a Tennessee native who grew up dreaming of playing for the Vols. He said playing for Tennessee is a “calling” when he committed to the Volunteers in early 2024.
MacIntyre was understandably bummed to not win the job, but he’s not letting that impact his performance in practice, according to Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel.
“Disappointed at first,” said Heupel on Monday when asked about MacIntyre. “If they’re not that, then you’ve got a real problem. But he’s been great in the quarterback room and he’s been great on the practice field — great energy. He’s in here today with everybody, and he’s continuing to grow and work and compete.
“He understands he’s going to get an opportunity at some point, and that you better be prepared when your opportunity comes.”
There’s a good chance that MacIntyre will be called upon to play some important snaps at some point this season. All it will take is a sprained ankle, a hit to the head (concussion protocol), or any other sort of injury to Brandon for MacIntyre to be thrust into an important situation.
And fortunately for Tennessee, it sounds like MacIntyre’s focus is on being ready instead of the outcome of the starting quarterback battle.
