Tennessee Football: Josh Heupel’s first task is finding a quarterback

Is Heupel’s QB1 on the roster?

Is the Volunteer’s next starting quarterback currently on the roster? With Jarrett Guarantano transferring, Brian Mauer and Harrison Bailey are the only two scholarship quarterbacks left on the roster from last season.

The Volunteers do get Hendon Hooker from Virginia Tech via the transfer portal. Four-star, dual-threat quarterback Keldon Salter comes in this fall. However, Heupel might need a few more prospects to choose from.

If the Volunteers choose to go back to the portal, South Carolina transfer Ryan Hilinski is available. There is the possibility that Hilinski wants out of the SEC to play closer to his native California. However, Hilinski has some skills Heupel can work with.

No matter who the quarterback is for Heupel, the Volunteers’ offense allows a quarterback to put up many numbers.

Dillon Gabriel threw 61 touchdowns in two seasons at UCF. Wide receiver Marlon Williams had over 1,000 yards receiving in 2020, and Gabriel Davis had over 1200 yards receiving in 2019. The system is designed for quarterbacks to put up numbers; Heupel needs to find his guy.

This spring and summer will be vital for the Volunteers, even with NCAA sanctions looming.