Vols QB Joe Milton gives strong answer to question from reporter
Tennessee Vols quarterback Joe Milton will start his fourth career game for UT next week in the Orange Bowl against the Clemson Tigers. Milton started the first two games of the 2021 season (against Bowling Green and Pittsburgh) before suffering an injury and losing the starting job to Hendon Hooker. After Hooker tore his ACL […]
Tennessee Vols quarterback Joe Milton will start his fourth career game for UT next week in the Orange Bowl against the Clemson Tigers.
Milton started the first two games of the 2021 season (against Bowling Green and Pittsburgh) before suffering an injury and losing the starting job to Hendon Hooker.
After Hooker tore his ACL in the Vols' loss to South Carolina last month, Milton stepped into the starting quarterback role and led Tennessee to a 56-0 win against Vanderbilt.
Milton, who transferred to UT from Michigan before the 2021 season, is the frontrunner to serve as the Vols' starting quarterback in 2023.
It's not a guarantee, however, that Milton will win that job. Tayven Jackson and Nico Iamaleava will compete with Milton for the job.
On Wednesday, Milton was asked by a reporter if he considers himself Tennessee's starting quarterback right now or if he feels like someone who is just filling in for Hooker.
Milton made it clear that he views himself as the Vols' starter.
"I see myself as Tennessee's starting quarterback," said Milton. "I mean, that's my title as I am. I'm also just a football player that's trying to lead the team."
It's clear that Milton is operating as though he'll be the Vols' starting quarterback next season. And that's certainly the approach he should be taking.
But it's not out of the question that Tennessee could add a quarterback from the portal (unlikely, but possible). Or maybe Iamaleava blows everyone away or Jackson proves he's the best option. There are a lot of unknowns at the quarterback position right now for the Vols.
The Orange Bowl will essentially serve as Milton's audition for the job (he didn't get to throw the ball much in a rainy game against Vanderbilt). If he has a massive game, then it will probably give Josh Heupel and his staff some confidence that Milton can be "the guy" in 2023.
But if he struggles, it could mean that Tennessee goes shopping for a quarterback in the transfer portal.
Featured image via Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
