Nico on QB battle

[Bloodrunsorange27]

You're almost certain to be disappointed unless Milton plays downright awful. I know you and others are anxious to see Nico but Milton has earned trust, knows the system, and will get Heupel's support. Those predicting or hoping for a quick hook are just setting themselves up to be mad at Heupel.

PS- He's only had one good game? He was good and maybe even great in every game he played in last fall. If the time comes and Heupel replaces him then I have no personal ties that would make me anything less than supportive of the decision. But you guys are borderline pulling against him.

I'm hoping Joe does play great. We need him to. Not sure how you took my post to mean I was rooting against him, but you and some others on here seem to be on a path of attacking anyone that indicates any concerns. You might want to take it down a notch. You don't know any more than anyone else what he will play like next year so stop acting like you do and policing everyone else for stating their opinions. Also, not sure what great games you are referring to from last year unless you are referring to mop up duty in blowouts where he threw some bombs. Joe's struggles are when the game is on the line and there is pressure. That's why has looked great in practice but has struggled translating that to the field. He looked awful his first year and was benched. He had two actual starts last year with one being Vandy where the weather made it hard to assess his play then the Orange bowl.
You're going to be ok. You have opinions and nothing else same as everyone else on here.

 

[fossilfiction]

I’m sick and tired of hearing about Joe and Nico. I think Harrison Bailey wins the starting job in camp this fall.

It's that undefinable "IT" factor for me.

 

[Bloodrunsorange27]

You're almost certain to be disappointed unless Milton plays downright awful. I know you and others are anxious to see Nico but Milton has earned trust, knows the system, and will get Heupel's support. Those predicting or hoping for a quick hook are just setting themselves up to be mad at Heupel.

PS- He's only had one good game? He was good and maybe even great in every game he played in last fall. If the time comes and Heupel replaces him then I have no personal ties that would make me anything less than supportive of the decision. But you guys are borderline pulling against him.

I'm hoping Joe does play great. We need him to. Not sure how you took my post to mean I was rooting against him, but you and some others on here seem to be on a path of attacking anyone that indicates any concerns. You might want to take it down a notch. You don't know any more than anyone else what he will play like next year so stop acting like you do and policing everyone else for stating their opinions. Also, not sure what great games you are referring to from last year unless you are referring to mop up duty in blowouts where he threw some bombs. Joe's struggles are when the game is on the line and there is pressure. That's why has looked great in practice but has struggled translating that to the field. He looked awful his first year and was benched. He had two actual starts last year with one being Vandy where the weather made it hard to assess his plan then the Orange bowl.
You're going to be ok. You have opinions and nothing else same as everyone else on here.

 

[sjt18]

I'm hoping Joe does play great. We need him to. Not sure how you took my post to mean I was rooting against him, but you and some others on here seem to be on a path of attacking anyone that indicates any concerns.

Not at all. Milton has played very well this past year. There were a lot of reasons for concern when he first started.

You didn't just express concerns. You made some statements.

You might want to take it down a notch. You don't know any more than anyone else what he will play like next year so stop acting like you do and policing everyone else for stating their opinions.

Find a mirror. This is an open forum. I didn't say you couldn't express an opinion. I disagreed with your tone and, IMO, excessive doubts.

Also, not sure what great games you are referring to from last year unless you are referring to mop up duty in blowouts where he threw some bombs.

He played well in the opportunities he got. He played much better in all of his opportunities than he did vs BGSU in 21.

Joe's struggles are when the game is on the line and there is pressure. That's why has looked great in practice but has struggled translating that to the field. He looked awful his first year and was benched. He had two actual starts last year with one being Vandy where the weather made it hard to assess his plan then the Orange bowl.

You can only judge his improvement and play based on the opportunities he gets. If you trust Heupel, he has expressed confidence in Milton's ability and potential both last year and this year. I will give the benefit of the doubt to Heupel over you and others here. Halzle said that Milton had another level he could and should reach... I'll buy that as well.

You're going to be ok. You have opinions and nothing else same as everyone else on here.

Again, find a mirror. I'm not the one who claimed any different or protested when someone disagreed with me. If I didn't like the banter... I wouldn't have stayed here doing it for the last 17+ years. Maybe it is your skin that's a little too thin... and you are projecting that onto me?

 

[Bloodrunsorange27]

Not at all. Milton has played very well this past year. There were a lot of reasons for concern when he first started.

You didn't just express concerns. You made some statements.

Find a mirror. This is an open forum. I didn't say you couldn't express an opinion. I disagreed with your tone and, IMO, excessive doubts.

He played well in the opportunities he got. He played much better in all of his opportunities than he did vs BGSU in 21.

You can only judge his improvement and play based on the opportunities he gets. If you trust Heupel, he has expressed confidence in Milton's ability and potential both last year and this year. I will give the benefit of the doubt to Heupel over you and others here. Halzle said that Milton had another level he could and should reach... I'll buy that as well.

Again, find a mirror. I'm not the one who claimed any different or protested when someone disagreed with me. If I didn't like the banter... I wouldn't have stayed here doing it for the last 17+ years. Maybe it is your skin that's a little too thin... and you are projecting that onto me?

We'll see how he plays during the season. I hope he plays at the level he is capable of as that would mean having a good season and not having to throw Nico in too early. I will remain somewhat skeptical until I see him consistently play at a high level.

 

[TennesseeTarheel]

I'll have what Coach Heupel's having.

 

[Ashevillevol]

Joe Milton will have a long leash, the only caveat being dumb fans who yell for the backup at the first sign of trouble. CJH is has more savvy than to cave into that tho.

We all hope/expect to see Orange Bowl Milton out there. If we do, consistently all year, we'll be similar to last year's team. Our major competitors, except SC (and yes they are a major competitor), all have new QBs, Joe having a good deal more exp.

There will be hiccups, but the staff will allow Joe to play through it and they will scheme to his strengths. Even if he struggles, it's not gonna make string bean Nico any more ready to come in immediately. That's why it's imperative we hit the portal for some kind of vet QB post-spring period.
Doesn't have to be a world beater, just a game manager type. Ideally Nico gets a RS, and I've gotten pushback on that here, but I just don't see the upside to burning one of his years while he's not the starter.

I think we already have some game manager quarterbacks in the room that already know the offense and pace a lot better than bringing in a guy who knows he’s third string. Also, Nico doesn’t need to red shirt. He isn’t going to stay here 4 years. We’ll be lucky if he stays 3.

 

[BigVol88]

Respectfully disagree. Unless it’s an absolute cluster**** I think Nico’s play will be limited to the 2nd half of blowout victories. This is Joe’s third year in the program, and he’s showed a lot of class these past couple seasons after losing the starting job to Hendon in 2021. It would’ve been easy for him to transfer but he stuck it out and the year-over-year improvement was very evident last season. Throughout everything he’s had a smile on his face and been a team guy. You gotta assume the locker room and coaching staff is 100% behind a guy like that. He carries himself with maturity and grace and he’s probably the most physically gifted quarterback in school history with his size and arm strength. Should be a solid guy for Nico to learn from before he takes over next season. Nico is 18, Joe is 23, I think the coaching staff knows what they have in both guys and right now it seems like it’ll be Joe’s team. Only my opinion.

Yeah, even if Joe has some hiccups throughout the year, I think from the leadership standpoint alone he should start. Seems some fans underestimate the difficulty of even managing this offense. Even in Vandy game when he didn't look too hot (to be fair it was awful weather), he protected the ball, didn't make any dumb mistakes, and helped lead us to victory. With freshmen, even super talented ones like Nico, there will likely be some growing pains and there will be some dumb mistakes because they are learning.

I personally feel a lot better if Milton starts. He knows the offense, he has showed great improvement in 2022, and he is a leader. Plus it will make Nico better for next year.

 

[benholt06]

I think we already have some game manager quarterbacks in the room that already know the offense and pace a lot better than bringing in a guy who knows he’s third string. Also, Nico doesn’t need to red shirt. He isn’t going to stay here 4 years. We’ll be lucky if he stays 3.

We have 2 scholarship QBs, one’s a true freshman who needs weight. We could use another one.

And no one knows how long Nico will be here. If it goes like we hope you’re probably right. But none of us can predict the future. Literally anything can happen. It’s not worth burning a year playing him in 6 garbage time games, vs 4. Obviously if we need him then that’s a moot point.

 

[mickey1969]

LOL what? What on earth makes you think Milton is on a short leash? It is FAR more likely the coaches are holding their breath hoping that he stays healthy and can start the whole year.

There are a few, very few, programs that are so talented on O that they can plug a Fr QB in and get good results. For the rest, you don't want to have to game plan around what your QB cannot do... regardless of how talented they are or how hard they've worked to prepare.

I know a lot of people are in love with the New Kid in Town. That's how things usually are. But this is Joe's team.

 

[butchna]

We have 2 scholarship QBs, one’s a true freshman who needs weight. We could use another one.

And no one knows how long Nico will be here. If it goes like we hope you’re probably right. But none of us can predict the future. Literally anything can happen. It’s not worth burning a year playing him in 6 garbage time games, vs 4. Obviously if we need him then that’s a moot point.

Best case scenario is you’re getting him ready for next season. Worst, you want him as prepared as possible if Milton goes down. Any pretense of possibility for him redshirting disappeared with Tayven Jackson’s transfer…and I personally felt that was remote with him on the roster. We don’t really have as many guaranteed layups on this schedule, so if we create “garbage time” out of any contest he needs reps. You don’t approximate the real timing and tempo of this offense in practice or the sidelines.

 

[WoodsmanVol]

You're almost certain to be disappointed unless Milton plays downright awful. I know you and others are anxious to see Nico but Milton has earned trust, knows the system, and will get Heupel's support. Those predicting or hoping for a quick hook are just setting themselves up to be mad at Heupel.
PS- He's only had one good game? He was good and maybe even great in every game he played in last fall. If the time comes and Heupel replaces him then I have no personal ties that would make me anything less than supportive of the decision. But you guys are borderline pulling against him.

I swear, we have some fans here who want JoMil to fail, with or without Nico. If I wasn't such a diehard Vols fan, and stubborn supporter of our guys, I'd angle for trading Joe for Bama's Eli Holstein, Kentucky's Dustin Wade, or Vanderbilt's Drew Dickey. Yes, out of pure spite for those who seem incapable of appreciating the guy.

 

[mickey1969]

When Peyton Manning took the field for his first snap against UCLA, he stepped into the huddle and told his teammates that even though he was just a freshman, he could still lead them to a touchdown. " Shut the **** up & call the play, said offensive lineman Jason Layman." It took time for it to become Peyton's team; it is already Joe Milton's team ! Mop up experience with nothing to lose but pride & the ability to learn under fire at stake, is the ideal situation for a young freshman before being thrown into the heat of an SEC battle. Nico could be destined to be an all time great leader at Tennessee, but with a little patience from everyone involved, " later " is probably better as he develops the physical size & mental experience to excel in the SEC ! The sky is the limit for both of these young men !!!

 

[sjt18]

I swear, we have some fans here who want JoMil to fail, with or without Nico. If I wasn't such a diehard Vols fan, and stubborn supporter of our guys, I'd angle for trading Joe for Bama's Eli Holstein, Kentucky's Dustin Wade, or Vanderbilt's Drew Dickey. Yes, out of pure spite for those who seem incapable of appreciating the guy.

I don't know that he won't flop. I'm not claiming to know. But it sure seems like you are right and it is worse because many are so excited about Nico.

Without regard to JM, I don't want Nico to start as a Fr unless he's somehow so advanced he's ready to play like a Jr. That's not because I have anything against him or anything in particular for Milton. If folks remember way, way back I liked Hooker in the spring and continued to like him in the fall even as it became apparent that Heupel was going with Milton. I just don't want to see Nico injured or have him broken as a Fr.

 

[Devo182]

I’m sick and tired of hearing about Joe and Nico. I think Harrison Bailey wins the starting job in camp this fall.

Lmao.

The HB folks were simply the worst. Pure lunatics. They'd rather have had the 3rd stringer from UNLV playing for us this past Fall than nearly our first ever Heisman...because he did stuff in high school...

 

[DougVol]

Joe Milton will have a long leash, the only caveat being dumb fans who yell for the backup at the first sign of trouble. CJH is has more savvy than to cave into that tho.

We all hope/expect to see Orange Bowl Milton out there. If we do, consistently all year, we'll be similar to last year's team. Our major competitors, except SC (and yes they are a major competitor), all have new QBs, Joe having a good deal more exp.

There will be hiccups, but the staff will allow Joe to play through it and they will scheme to his strengths. Even if he struggles, it's not gonna make string bean Nico any more ready to come in immediately. That's why it's imperative we hit the portal for some kind of vet QB post-spring period.
Doesn't have to be a world beater, just a game manager type. Ideally Nico gets a RS, and I've gotten pushback on that here, but I just don't see the upside to burning one of his years while he's not the starter.

Get ready for the” dumb fans”. They’re coming. Joe is not Hooker. Wish he was but the difference will be noticeable and irritating.

 

[VOLnMiami]

Joe is the starter...Period...Nico will sit and learn and clean up after Joe's destruction of other teams...Joe is the guy and I am 100% behind him.

 

[benholt06]

Best case scenario is you’re getting him ready for next season. Worst, you want him as prepared as possible if Milton goes down. Any pretense of possibility for him redshirting disappeared with Tayven Jackson’s transfer…and I personally felt that was remote with him on the roster. We don’t really have as many guaranteed layups on this schedule, so if we create “garbage time” out of any contest he needs reps. You don’t approximate the real timing and tempo of this offense in practice or the sidelines.

It’s clear in the interview from this week Nico expects and embraces the role of backup.

We’ve danced this dance before, so I’m only gonna repeat myself once. I just don’t believe it makes sense to burn a year of the #1 player, 9 million dollar man’s eligibility while he’s a backup. We don’t even know how ready he’ll be yet. If he can’t get a feel for the offense in the 4 game cutoff I’m not sure an extra game or two will help.

I’d be shocked if we don’t get a transfer QB body in during the post-spring exodus period. Nico is the top asset on this roster. We should manage him accordingly.

 

[sjt18]

Get ready for the” dumb fans”. They’re coming. Joe is not Hooker. Wish he was but the difference will be noticeable and irritating.

Agree he's a different player. Not as heady in my opinion. Why do you think it will be necessarily irritating? I have an idea what you might mean but thought I should ask first.

 

[benholt06]

Get ready for the” dumb fans”. They’re coming. Joe is not Hooker. Wish he was but the difference will be noticeable and irritating.

We’re all praying Orange Bowl Joe is who he is now. If so, we’re gonna be good.

 

[vols40]

LOL what? What on earth makes you think Milton is on a short leash? It is FAR more likely the coaches are holding their breath hoping that he stays healthy and can start the whole year.

There are a few, very few, programs that are so talented on O that they can plug a Fr QB in and get good results. For the rest, you don't want to have to game plan around what your QB cannot do... regardless of how talented they are or how hard they've worked to prepare.

I know a lot of people are in love with the New Kid in Town. That's how things usually are. But this is Joe's team.

Exactly. Remember Peyton as a true freshman? We went with a certain 1st baseball draftee until it was obvious that we don't need to risk his baseball career

 

[butchna]

It’s clear in the interview from this week Nico expects and embraces the role of backup.

We’ve danced this dance before, so I’m only gonna repeat myself once. I just don’t believe it makes sense to burn a year of the #1 player, 9 million dollar man’s eligibility while he’s a backup. We don’t even know how ready he’ll be yet. If he can’t get a feel for the offense in the 4 game cutoff I’m not sure an extra game or two will help.

I’d be shocked if we don’t get a transfer QB body in during the post-spring exodus period. Nico is the top asset on this roster. We should manage him accordingly.

Understand your opinions just disagree. I feel a hardcore redshirt season is a waste of prep and development time when he’s the clear next man up.

I’ll be shocked if any QB body worth a scholarship signs up to be 3rd man up.

 

[benholt06]

Understand your opinions just disagree. I feel a hardcore redshirt season is a waste of prep and development time when he’s the clear next man up.

I’ll be shocked if any QB body worth a scholarship signs up to be 3rd man up.

I think many just hate the idea of redshirting such a touted prospect and I get it. It may turn out Nico and the staff agree, I have no idea.

If it comes down to a choice, that being to play him 4 games garbage time and preserve a year, or play him 5-6 games (looking at our schedule with even the most optimistic view that would be a stretch), the potential benefits for the former far outweigh those for the latter option. Redshirts are also effectively retroactive, so I don’t get the argument that it would change the approach to his development in any way.

And to the "he won’t be here long enough for it to matter" crowd: chances are that’s true. But we had a big time QB once who did play out his eligibility. And he didn’t have the NIL money. Any number of other things could happen, we just don’t know.

 

[sjt18]

Exactly. Remember Peyton as a true freshman? We went with a certain 1st baseball draftee until it was obvious that we don't need to risk his baseball career

I thought Helton's knee injury was sufficient to keep him out? Didn't they try Stewart first? IIRC, Manning was 4th string when Colquitt took the first snap.

 

[DaddyChad]

I think some of this short leash / long leash talk is crazy.

Milton could lose 4 games and Nico could still be clueless in practice so why on earth would you put Nico in if he can’t run the offense or only knows part of the offense.

The truth is CJH will have a lot more info to process than us keyboard warriors ever will so for us to say it will be short or long Is just uneducated talk.

And for those who say CJH didn’t chose well the first year, he had been on the job 8 months with no game experience in CJH system for either QB.

Exactly. Heupel will play the guy that gives us the best chance to win period. That situation could evolve over the year if Milton struggles, or is injured; Nico likely becomes a far more effective qb as the year goes on but if we’re lucky Milton stays the starter and is effective this year.

Defense needs to step forward regardless bc I don’t think either guy needs the pressure that Hooker had on him where he and the offense had to carry the team.