Josh Heupel praises Joe Milton for staying with program despite backup role

Joe Milton has chosen a path not many would these days in college athletics. After opening as the starting quarterback for Tennessee last season, injuries and struggles earned him a spot on the sidelines behind Hendon Hooker. The era of the transfer portal would have made it very easy for him to find a new opportunity. Instead, he remained in Knoxville and Josh Heupel says it speaks volumes of the 22-year old.

Heupel discussed Milton’s commitment to the program after Tennessee’s first fall practice. He said it means a lot to have devotion like that both in their QB room and their program.

“That’s a lesson for everybody in our program. You want to be ready when your opportunity comes and prepare that way to take advantage of it,” said Heupel. “I think it speaks to the unique relationship that exists in (our) quarterback room. To be able to compete so fiercely with somebody but also be great friends outside of the game speaks to both (of) their maturity. It speaks to Joe (and) to the culture of what we have inside of the building as far as a full team inside of that locker room.”

Milton came into college as a Top-20 QB according to On3’s 2018 Consensus Top Football Recruits. He transferred to Tennessee last year after three seasons at Michigan. Milton threw for 375 yards on a 51.6% completion percentage. Injuries to Milton early in the year then put Hooker in the spotlight and he never left the stage last season.

In the end, Josh Heupel says he appreciates Milton for believing in his offense. Rather than get instant gratification elsewhere, he has committed to the process of improving on Rocky Top.

“It speaks to what we’re doing offensively. Him believing that he can grow in our system and put himself in the right position long term. He’s willing to look at the video and have a true sense of the areas to get better, maximize his talent and put himself in a position to be the best player that he can possibly be,” Heupel said. “Being able and willing to go through that process. It’s a great testimony to those types of individuals and it’s a great lesson for everybody inside of our program.”

Hendon Hooker enters as the day one starter this time around. However, anything can happen and, if Hooker were to be the one who suffers an injury, Josh Heupel knows he can rely on Milton to step in and get the job done.