Josh Heupel Breaks Down Vols' QBs After First Spring Scrimmage

Tennessee finally worked in a spring scrimmage under first-year coach Josh Heupel, and the focus was mostly where every team places its focus -- directly on the quarterbacks.

The key names to know are sophomore Harrison Bailey, senior Hendon Hooker and redshirt sophomore Brian Maurer.

So, coach, how did it go?

“We’ve gone from day to day in practice, each quarterback has kind of been designated that they were going to run with the ones, twos or the threes on that day,” Heupel told reporters. “To get into a scrimmage, it’s a little bit different. They basically rotated through, got a set with the ones, next time running with the twos and threes and it got late in the scrimmage, kind of based everything off a play count and you got those guys close to evening out a little bit."

Heupel is trying to rebuild a program that finished 3-7 last season and underwent an investigation for recruiting infractions under former coach Jeremy Pruitt, who was fired after the season.

So it only makes sense that all eyes are on the future and the Volunteers QBs who will lead the way.

“I thought all three of them did a really good job of managing the game," Heupel said. "Communication was good, not great. We can be better in that area, but they pushed the tempo, were pretty sound in their decision-making in the pass game. All three of them took care of the football and allowed us to move the football at times, as well, so they’re picking it up, never where you want it to be.

"You’re always pushing to be further ahead, but they are a competitive group that approaches the meeting room and the practice field the right way.”

Tennessee will again practice Saturday inside Neyland Stadium at 10 a.m. EDT. Practice is open to the public and admission is free.

Written by
Sam Amico spent 15 years covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated, FOX Sports and NBA.com, along with a few other spots, and currently runs his own basketball website on the side, FortyEightMinutes.com.