The Tennessee Volunteers have officially named their starting quarterback ahead of their upcoming season opener against Furman. On Monday, ESPN's Pete Thamel reported via sources that true freshman five-star Faizon Brandon beat out veteran George MacIntyre for the team's starting job. On3's Mike Wilson reported that head coach Josh Heupel informed the staff and players on Monday about the decision to make Brandon the starter.
This marks the first time in over 20 years that Tennessee has started a true freshman at quarterback. In 2004, Brent Schaeffer started for the team and debuted against UNLV. More news: Former Jets Player Sends Message After Stunning UFC Debut Win Brandon brings impressive credentials as he steps into the starting role.
At 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, he was a highly coveted prospect out of Grimsley High School in Greensboro, North Carolina, who chose to sign with Tennessee. Rivals Industry Ranking ranked him among the top 10 prospects and also as the No. 3 quarterback prospect. The Volunteers went 8-4 with transfer Joey Aguilar as their quarterback last season, losing in the Music City Bowl to the Illinois Fighting Illini, 30-28, on a walk-off field goal.
This offseason, questions lingered for coach Heupel regarding defensive coordinator and starting quarterback. Jim Knowles became the team's new defensive coordinator after working in that position at Penn State, Ohio State, Duke, and Oklahoma State. Now they also have their starting QB, but it remains to be seen if the team has a better season than last or falters.
ESPN released projections for the SEC teams earlier this month, suggesting the Volunteers could win over seven games. However, one thing mentioned was the need for their quarterback to develop quickly with the offense. While Brandon is talented, he'll need to get up to speed quickly, as Tennessee faces Arch Manning and Texas in Week 4.
The Tennessee Volunteers take the field against Furman on Saturday, Sept. 5, at 3:30 p.m. More news: Shedeur Sanders Calls Out Fans Booing Deshaun Watson in Browns Preseason For more about the Tennessee Volunteers and college football, visit Newsweek Sports.
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