Tennessee Keeps QB Battle Open Through Spring as Halzle Outlines Evaluation Priorities
Coaches will delay a choice until fall camp to stress processing speed and aggressive, secure play.
Overview
- Josh Heupel says the starting job remains open after the first two spring practices and will not be awarded during spring workouts.
- Redshirt freshman George MacIntyre, five-star early enrollee Faizon Brandon and Colorado transfer Ryan Staub are competing for QB1.
- OC Joey Halzle says quarterbacks must “cut it loose” without being reckless, with processing speed identified as the key separator.
- MacIntyre holds a head start from a year in the system as coaches note heightened urgency; Brandon is physically ready as a freshman; Staub brings the room’s only notable college game experience and strong feel for extending plays.
- With Joey Aguilar’s eligibility bid denied and no spring transfer portal, Tennessee will use the April 11 spring game, summer work and fall camp to sort the pecking order.