Why Tennessee Vols QB Joe Milton should be a fan favorite
Tennessee Vols quarterback Joe Milton received a lot of criticism last season from fans due to his ill-timed overthrows and his decision to run out of bounds at the end of the Ole Miss game (which ended the game and clinched the win for the Rebels). While there have been some frustrating moments from Milton, […]
Tennessee Vols quarterback Joe Milton received a lot of criticism last season from fans due to his ill-timed overthrows and his decision to run out of bounds at the end of the Ole Miss game (which ended the game and clinched the win for the Rebels).
While there have been some frustrating moments from Milton, who is currently the No. 2 quarterback on the Vols' depth chart, he's also a player that should be a fan favorite.
And it's not because of his elite arm or his physical attributes, it's because of the love he has for Tennessee and the type of teammate he's been to starting quarterback Hendon Hooker.
Instead of sulking, or transferring, Milton has evolved into an elite teammate.
"Joe Milton has been an amazing teammate this entire offseason coming back," said Vols quarterbacks coach Joey Halzle this week.
"There are opportunities, and I am sure a lot of people would love to take them," added Halzle. "He wanted to stay here, he was dedicated to coming here."
"He has been a great teammate not just to Hendon, where they have a real, legitimate friendship, but also in trying to bring along Tayven, as well. Whenever we come off the field I go to say something to Tayven, and either Hendon or Joe is talking to him, helping him out and helping him learn what to do. He has been really, really high-end as far as his attitude this semester."
Those comments from Halzle echo what Tennessee offensive coordinator Alex Golesh said this past week.
“I’ll say Joe has made monumental strides," said Golesh. "Joe has gotten his body right. He’s really put a ton into it, so having a healthy and all-on Joe Milton also helps, because it helps Hendon, and the competition between those two is really, really fun. Those two guys, you talk about pros, they coach each other harder than anybody else."
Milton should be commended for his attitude. He came to Tennessee to be the starting quarterback. He received that opportunity last season and it didn't work out. Milton could be bitter about losing the job to Hooker, but he's not. He's choosing to make the most of his time in Knoxville.
Fans should appreciate Milton. He won't go down as an all-time great at Tennessee, but it's clear the program and the players in the program mean a lot to the former Michigan quarterback.
Featured image via Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
