Joey Aguilar’s comfort and control of Tennessee’s offense was the separating factor.
The quarterback competition within Tennessee Football began April 12, when then-starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava departed from the team, and it ended Sunday night.
Around 9:00 pm it was announced over social media that Aguilar is ‘at the helm.’
What Heupel saw from Aguilar from May until Aug 18 proved to be enough for Heupel to name him the starter.
“Through the course of training camp, each and every day, continue to grow, and take steps, and understand what we’re doing, and comfort level,” said Heupel.
In the room competing with Aguilar was Jake Merklinger and George MacIntyre.
Ahead of the public announcement, Heupel met with the three quarterbacks to share the news that he’d put the offense in Aguilar’s hands.
“I met with all of them at the same time,” said Heupel.
News that landed differently for each quarterback.
“I’ve been in a situation on both sides of it, and you understand that there’s going to be, you know, heartache, disappointment. And if it’s not that way, that’s a real problem,” said Heupel.
The head coach emphasized how their was disappointment in the room and how the decision was a tough one.
“The entire room competed at a really high level,” said Heupel.
Heupel continued, “They competed the right way too. They pushed each other in a positive way in the meeting room, on the practice field. I think our team has great confidence in all those guys.”
However, it came down to the growth Aguilar’s displayed since his arrival on Rocky Top. He’s had constant growth in his command of the offense and comfort within the system.
“Just continue to trend upward in his comfort and control and command with what we’re doing as decision making, accuracy with the football, our checks that he controls. You put all that together, and that’s ultimately why we made the decision,” said Heupel.
For MacIntrye and Merklinger, Heupel’s hope is that they continue to work just as hard and continue to operate as good teammates for each other like they have in the fall.
“Through that night, there’s the pain of disappointment, right? And coming the next day, you got to find a way to be a great teammate, be the same guy that you have continue to compete,” said Heupel.
The hope was the reality of the next practice.
“Merk’s been great in the building. Energy focused. George has been the same way. Just want those guys to continue to grow,” said Heupel.
After Heupel refrained from naming a starter immediately following the second scrimmage, it appeared the announcement would not have come until game week.
Heupel decided to make the announcement a couple of days later because it was the right time.
“It was the right time, you know, for him, but for our football team too,” said Heupel. “And certainly, you know, having this week, knowing that you’re going to be the guy, I think, gives him a chance to continue to get his feet on the ground and get ready for kickoff.”
