Josh Heupel gives his initial impressions of new Tennessee Vols QB Joey Aguilar
There's been a whole lot of talk over the last few weeks about the fallout from the split between Nico Iamaleava and the Tennessee program. And rightfully so. Losing your starting quarterback halfway through the offseason isn't exactly small news, particularly with the family drama that's come with it. However, the Vols have a new […]
There's been a whole lot of talk over the last few weeks about the fallout from the split between Nico Iamaleava and the Tennessee program. And rightfully so. Losing your starting quarterback halfway through the offseason isn't exactly small news, particularly with the family drama that's come with it.
However, the Vols have a new quarterback as a result of the situation in former App State and UCLA QB Joey Aguilar, someone Heupel is ready to focus on more, as he noted during the school's Big Orange Caravan event taking place this week across the state.
Heupel finally got the chance to speak about Aguilar and talked about the things that drew him to acquire him in the transfer portal.
"He has starts, he's played at a high level, close to 7000 yards passing," Heupel said. "24 career starts, I think. Has got the ability to throw the ball vertically. He's accurate and on time in the intermediate passing game. Has the ability to use his feet, to extend plays, but he can use them in the quarterback run game, too."
It's interesting to note one of the first things Heupel mentioned was his experience and productivity, which is certainly something unique that he brings to the Vols' QB room with redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger having virtually none and true freshman George MacIntyre joining the program this spring.
Aguilar has actually started 25 games during his time at App State in 2023-24, throwing for 6760 yards with 56 touchdowns to 24 interceptions. His best season came in 2023, when he completed 63.7% of his passes for 3757 yards with 33 touchdowns to 10 interceptions. Those numbers, however, dipped significantly in 2024 to a stat line of 55.9% for 3003 yards with 23 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. The interceptions are a bit concerning and are something he's going to have to cut down.
Heupel has said it will be an open competition between the three, so we'll find once fall camp has come and gone who will take the field with the starters for the season opener against Syracuse in Atlanta.
‘We’re going to get you in great shape’ — Rick Barnes had a hilarious response to Josh Heupel during the annual Tennessee Big Orange Caravan event
The two coaches had an amusing interaction this week
