Fair or not, the Orange Bowl will be a referendum on Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton.
If Milton plays well against No. 7 Clemson (11-2), he firmly plants himself as Tennessee’s starter entering this fall.
If he doesn’t, the competition will likely be open this spring among redshirt Tayvon Jackson and five-star signee Nico Iamaleava.
Milton looks the part of an NFL quarterback – 6-foot-5, 245 pounds, athletic, fast, cannon for an arm.
In fact, CBS’ Rick Neuheisel, a former quarterback himself, said one of the most entertaining things he saw last season was Milton throwing passes during pre-warmups. He’s that impressive.
But throwing passes against air doesn’t define a quarterback. If it did, JaMarcus Russell and Ryan Leaf would have been a stars in the NFL.
There are two questions Milton must answer against Clemson – and in the future. He must be accurate with his throws and he must make good decisions.
Those were two attributes that served Hendon Hooker well.
Milton showed flashes this season that he’s a better version of the 2021 Milton, who started the first two games of last season at Tennessee with mixed results.
Milton was more accurate and more decisive in a backup role to Hooker, the SEC Offensive Player of the Year. But Milton’s success came when the game wasn’t on the line, for the most part.
He started Tennessee’s 56-0 victory over Vanderbilt in the season finale, and he made a nice throw to Jalin Hyatt in the first quarter. But he missed some open receivers after that and finished a pedestrian 11 of 21 for 147 yards and one touchdown.
After Hooker was injured against South Carolina, Milton found an uncovered Hyatt streaking up the right sideline. But Milton misfired – though no one was near Hyatt.
You can’t miss those type throws if you want to be an elite quarterback – or even a good quarterback.
Had Milton been UT’s starter this past season, the Vols might not have beaten Pitt or Florida or Alabama. They might have gone 7-5 instead of 10-2.
But we don’t know that for sure.
Maybe Milton, given the reigns, would have responded with a solid season.
After basically sitting out the 2022 season, watching Hooker perform, and forging a better understanding of UT’s fast-pace offense, maybe Milton is ready for a breakout 2023.
It would certainly help his case – and engender confidence in the coaching staff and the UT Vol Nation – if Milton has a strong Orange Bowl against a solid Clemson defense.
It’s worth noting that during a preseason media avail, Milton was asked about getting beat out by Hooker last season. Milton corrected the reporter: “I didn’t lose the job; I got hurt.’’
That’s a good attitude for a quarterback who needs to exude confidence.
But he will gain more confidence – for himself and those around him – if he performs well under the Friday night lights in Miami.
Fair or not, the Orange Bowl will be a referendum on Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton.
If Milton plays well against No. 7 Clemson (11-2), he firmly plants himself as Tennessee’s starter entering this fall.
If he doesn’t, the competition will likely be open this spring among redshirt Tayvon Jackson and five-star signee Nico Iamaleava.
Milton looks the part of an NFL quarterback – 6-foot-5, 245 pounds, athletic, fast, cannon for an arm.
In fact, CBS’ Rick Neuheisel, a former quarterback himself, said one of the most entertaining things he saw last season was Milton throwing passes during pre-warmups. He’s that impressive.
But throwing passes against air doesn’t define a quarterback. If it did, JaMarcus Russell and Ryan Leaf would have been a stars in the NFL.
There are two questions Milton must answer against Clemson – and in the future. He must be accurate with his throws and he must make good decisions.
Those were two attributes that served Hendon Hooker well.
Milton showed flashes this season that he’s a better version of the 2021 Milton, who started the first two games of last season at Tennessee with mixed results.
Milton was more accurate and more decisive in a backup role to Hooker, the SEC Offensive Player of the Year. But Milton’s success came when the game wasn’t on the line, for the most part.
He started Tennessee’s 56-0 victory over Vanderbilt in the season finale, and he made a nice throw to Jalin Hyatt in the first quarter. But he missed some open receivers after that and finished a pedestrian 11 of 21 for 147 yards and one touchdown.
After Hooker was injured against South Carolina, Milton found an uncovered Hyatt streaking up the right sideline. But Milton misfired – though no one was near Hyatt.
You can’t miss those type throws if you want to be an elite quarterback – or even a good quarterback.
Had Milton been UT’s starter this past season, the Vols might not have beaten Pitt or Florida or Alabama. They might have gone 7-5 instead of 10-2.
But we don’t know that for sure.
Maybe Milton, given the reigns, would have responded with a solid season.
After basically sitting out the 2022 season, watching Hooker perform, and forging a better understanding of UT’s fast-pace offense, maybe Milton is ready for a breakout 2023.
It would certainly help his case – and engender confidence in the coaching staff and the UT Vol Nation – if Milton has a strong Orange Bowl against a solid Clemson defense.
It’s worth noting that during a preseason media avail, Milton was asked about getting beat out by Hooker last season. Milton corrected the reporter: “I didn’t lose the job; I got hurt.’’
That’s a good attitude for a quarterback who needs to exude confidence.
But he will gain more confidence – for himself and those around him – if he performs well under the Friday night lights in Miami.
MIAMI – Tennessee football has officially arrived in Miami in preparation for its Dec. 30 Capital One Orange Bowl matchup against ACC champion Clemson. Head coach Josh Heupel and the Volunteers’ charter flight arrived at Miami International Airport Christmas evening after a nearly two-hour flight.
Tennessee held its final practice in Knoxville on Dec. 22, and the team then enjoyed two days with their families for Christmas before making the trek to Miami this evening.
“We are so excited to be here,” Heupel said. “Our university is extremely proud to be in this great, historic bowl game. It’s great to be in the city of Miami. This is a huge step for our program with the opportunity to play in this game. We haven’t been here in almost 25 years. There are a lot of proud VFLs, and they are looking forward to getting down to South Florida and being at this football game. I am really proud of what our players and coaches have accomplished this season.”
It’s been exactly one month since the sixth-ranked Vols (10-2) put the finishing touches on a memorable regular season. On Monday, UT will treat its first practice in Miami like a game-week “Tuesday” at Barry University. The practice is closed to the general public.
Friday’s matchup will see the nation’s No. 1 offense clash against a top-20 Tiger defense that allows only 20.1 points per game.
“There are great players all over the field when teams like this get together,” Heupel said. “At the end of the day, you have to do what you do and have some wrinkles that put your kids in a position to be successful. A bowl game with a long layoff, you have to go out and execute. Our preparation back home but certainly this week, when we are in meetings and when we are out on the practice field, you have to do it at a really high level.”
Bowl week is a South Florida homecoming of sorts for quarterback Joe Milton III, who will be making his second straight start. Milton grew up in Pahokee before moving to Orlando.
“This is a homecoming for him,” Heupel said. “This is a guy who is from South Florida. He’s going to have a lot of family and friends here for the game. This means a lot to him. He’s someone inside our program who has had a voice and been a leader all year long. He’s prepared really consistently.”
Friday’s kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET on ESPN with Joe Tessitore, Greg McElroy and Katie George on the call. For more information on the game, visit UTsports.com/orangebowl.
MIAMI – Tennessee football has officially arrived in Miami in preparation for its Dec. 30 Capital One Orange Bowl matchup against ACC champion Clemson. Head coach Josh Heupel and the Volunteers’ charter flight arrived at Miami International Airport Christmas evening after a nearly two-hour flight.
Tennessee held its final practice in Knoxville on Dec. 22, and the team then enjoyed two days with their families for Christmas before making the trek to Miami this evening.
“We are so excited to be here,” Heupel said. “Our university is extremely proud to be in this great, historic bowl game. It’s great to be in the city of Miami. This is a huge step for our program with the opportunity to play in this game. We haven’t been here in almost 25 years. There are a lot of proud VFLs, and they are looking forward to getting down to South Florida and being at this football game. I am really proud of what our players and coaches have accomplished this season.”
It’s been exactly one month since the sixth-ranked Vols (10-2) put the finishing touches on a memorable regular season. On Monday, UT will treat its first practice in Miami like a game-week “Tuesday” at Barry University. The practice is closed to the general public.
Friday’s matchup will see the nation’s No. 1 offense clash against a top-20 Tiger defense that allows only 20.1 points per game.
“There are great players all over the field when teams like this get together,” Heupel said. “At the end of the day, you have to do what you do and have some wrinkles that put your kids in a position to be successful. A bowl game with a long layoff, you have to go out and execute. Our preparation back home but certainly this week, when we are in meetings and when we are out on the practice field, you have to do it at a really high level.”
Bowl week is a South Florida homecoming of sorts for quarterback Joe Milton III, who will be making his second straight start. Milton grew up in Pahokee before moving to Orlando.
“This is a homecoming for him,” Heupel said. “This is a guy who is from South Florida. He’s going to have a lot of family and friends here for the game. This means a lot to him. He’s someone inside our program who has had a voice and been a leader all year long. He’s prepared really consistently.”
Friday’s kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET on ESPN with Joe Tessitore, Greg McElroy and Katie George on the call. For more information on the game, visit UTsports.com/orangebowl.
The Tennessee Volunteers practiced in the rain at Barry University in Miami on Monday to start their Orange Bowl week in south Florida ahead of Friday night’s game vs. Clemson.
Coverage sponsors: Visit My Smokies, Nothing Too Fancy, Roane State Community College, UT Athletics, HoundDogs & Bragg Weight Loss & Wellness
A Rural King employee is dead after Halls shooting.
The Knox County Sheriff’s Office said the suspect was trying to shoplift ammo and other items when he was approached by employees.
KCSO said the 23-year-old male employee and the suspect got into a scuffle behind the business when the suspect shot the employee.
Sheriff Tom Spangler is asking nearby businesses and homeowners to take safety precautions and stay vigilant.
The suspect is described as a man in his late teens or early twenties, with dark hair, approximately 5’8 – 5’10, 145-165 pounds, wearing a light gray hoodie with am emblem on the front, dark gray sweatpants or light gray shorts, and may have a toboggan on. He was also carrying a blue backpack.
KCSO says if you see him, call 9 1 1 do not approach him.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — As the Tennessee football program officially welcomed 29 signees on Wednesday, the sixth-ranked Volunteers took Haslam Field and continued preparations for the 2022 Capital One Orange Bowl. The postseason clash with No. 7 Clemson is nine days away as the two storied programs meet for an 8 p.m. kickoff on Friday, Dec. 30 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
Redshirt-senior quarterback Joe Milton III, redshirt-junior wide receiver Bru McCoy and redshirt-senior tight end Jacob Warren met with members of the media after practice to preview the bowl matchup ahead of the holiday weekend.
Gearing up for his fourth start as a Vol, Milton discussed the challenges presented by Clemson’s defensive unit and what the Big Orange will need to focus on to continue the success from the regular season in which Tennessee led the nation in scoring (47.3) and total offense (538.1).
“Their front seven, their whole defense in general is a great defense,” Milton said. “They play fast, they play smart, they all play together. I feel like personally we have to block well, fix the run assignments that we have throughout the week. Make sure we understand what’s going on, making sure we can do it all the way around, running and passing the ball. Just being an efficient office and taking care of the ball.”
In addition to confirming his intentions to return for the 2023 season, McCoy also praised the ACC Champion Tiger defense in his comments on Wednesday and spoke to the opportunity to face an uncommon opponent.
“Super physical, they play fast, they play aggressive, super well-coached,” McCoy said. “They disguise coverages well, they move well, they play sideline to sideline, they’re going to scramble to the ball and they’re going to compete. I’m excited just to go out and play a team we wouldn’t normally get to play. It’s a good team and you can tell on film it’s going to be competitive. They got guys down, we do too, but I still think the products on the field will be super competitive. It will be a fun game.”
Select quotes from each player can be found below.
On if his approach to the bowl game is to end the season on a good note or to get a head start on next season… “Kind of both. We have to finish it off, obviously, for our brother Hendon (Hooker). He put a lot into the program, and if he was out there, he’d be playing his heart out. I feel like that’s what we’ll do as a team. Besides that part, it’s just getting a start for the new year. The game is played on the 30th, so it’s going into a new year. You get to sleep right on the first.”
On his growth now taking the bulk of practice reps… “It helps a lot, for one. But two, even when I wasn’t starting, I was taking reps behind Hendon (Hooker). Every rep he had, I had to take. So, having more reps is a plus. Getting a feel for everything at the one-position is a tremendous jump. It’s the ball game, so you have to do what you have to do.”
On Clemson’s defense… “Their front seven, their whole defense in general is a great defense. They play fast, they play smart, they all play together. I feel like personally we have to block well, fix the run assignments that we have throughout the week. Make sure we understand what’s going on, making sure we can do it all the way around, running and passing the ball. Just being an efficient office and taking care of the ball.”
On his relationship with Joe Milton III… “Me and him have always had a great relationship from when I first got here, he’s one of the guys that kind of helped me get more involved. With him stepping up and being the guy this game, me and him have taken reps. I’m confident, I think we’re both confident in one another. We’ve already got a great rapport. We’re just going to continue to build on it. We’ve got a good opportunity here to go showcase that.”
On his intentions for the 2023 season… “Without a doubt I will be coming back next year. As far as a role, I just want to be the best teammate I can be. Continue to grind and work and do what I can to help win games. Ultimately, just set more team goals than I do personal and just go out there and have success.”
On how long it took to get accustomed to the offense… “Now, very comfortable. Obviously, it’s a bit of an unorthodox offense. Coming from more traditional offenses, seeing football your whole life, then you come into something that is a lot of rule-breaking stuff. After you adjust and learn how to function in it, it’s really smooth and easy to understand. Now, I’ve got a great grasp on it, so I’m able to help other guys learn and help myself take my game to a next level because I have a better understanding of the whole field` and I feel really comfortable in the offense now.”
On what Clemson does well defensively… “Super physical, they play fast, they play aggressive, super well-coached. They disguise coverages well, they move well, they play sideline to sideline, they’re going to scramble to the ball and they’re going to compete. I’m excited just to go out and play a team we wouldn’t normally get to play. It’s a good team and you can tell on film it’s going to be competitive. They got guys down, we do too but I still think the products on the field will be super competitive. It will be a fun game.”
On if the tight ends expect to have a bigger role in pass game against Clemson… “We’ll get our opportunities inside. I think we’ll have a lot of guys step up too. I think this is a good opportunity for our young slots and our young outside guys to step up and show their playmaking ability and kind of get a glimpse of what it’s going to be like next year for this team.”
On looking back at how far he’s come at Tennessee… “It’s crazy. On Snapchat, we get these memories where it will say for, “Five years ago today,” this is what happened, or this is what you were doing. Yesterday, it popped up the picture of me at Signing Day and a couple of my friends sent it to me how they had pictures of me on Signing Day, and it was five years ago. You look back and it’s crazy how far I’ve come and how much more I have to go. It’s cool to look back and think and see these guys now like Nico (Iamaleava), these guys are just now starting that journey is pretty crazy. It’s cool to see for sure.”
On if he and Princeton Fant are the leaders of the tight end room… “We’re just doing what we can. I think we understand this offense really well. We understand what’s asked of us and the details of what we need to get done. We can sit in there and watch the film and be able to diagnose it and be able to tell what’s going on, but it’s good to have some of our younger graduate assistants and quality control guys step up and try to help us out on details or something we maybe aren’t seeing big-picture wise that can help us out.”
KNOXVILLE – Tennessee’s second recruiting class under head coach Josh Heupel featured 29 new players, including 24 high school prospects, as announced on the first day of the early signing period on Wednesday.
Four members of the class will join the team as FBS transfers, while 23 of the prospects will enroll in January and then participate in spring practice. A significant portion of that group is already on campus participating in the Vols’ Capital One Orange Bowl practices as permitted by NCAA rules.
“For everybody that’s here, I’m proud of the class that we put together,” Heupel said. “For the guys that are here currently, you’re not going to walk into the backend of the season, learn an entire playbook and know what to do. You get a chance to sit in meetings. You get a chance to go out there and do a lot of individual work. You get a chance to compete in some one-on-one situations. As much as anything, I think they learn the tempo of the game. They learn what it feels like to be a college athlete. I think it creates urgency in the way they prepare when they get back to campus.”
The #RockyTop23 class was ranked as high as No. 10 nationally by 247Sports.com. The Vols signed two five-star prospects in quarterback Nico Iamaleava (pronounced ee-ah-MAH-LAY-ah-va) out of Long Beach, California, and defensive lineman Daevin Hobbs(pronounced DAY-vin) from Concord, North Carolina. Both standouts are ranked in On3.com’s top 20 overall players.
Heupel and the staff hauled in a loaded defensive class that features 16 players, including six defensive linemen, five defensive backs and four linebackers. All five defensive backs are already on campus participating in bowl practices.
The state of Tennessee’s top two consensus players in edge rusher Caleb Herring and linebacker Arion Carter chose the Vols.
“To get two of the top players inside the state and guys that will be able to help us for a long time is important,” Heupel said. “This group of guys is highly talented. I believe that there are going to be dynamic, elite players inside of this group. We were recruiting this off of a lot of outside noise still when we began this process with these guys.”
Head Coach Josh Heupel National Signing Day | 12.21.22
Opening Statement “I appreciate everybody being here. Obviously, it’s an extremely important day and a great day for Tennessee football and the future of Tennessee football. It was a great practice with our guys today that are currently here. Some of those are new enrollees, and then obviously the signing day that took place this morning for most of those guys. It’s been a lot of fun going through the process with these guys. We believe in, obviously, their athleticism but just as importantly who they are. I’d like to thank their families for entrusting us with their sons for the next three-to-five years. I want to congratulate our staff. That’s our full-time coaches, everybody inside the building, our personnel department, our on-campus recruiters and our training staff. It takes everybody inside of the building to recruit elite players. I’m really proud of the effort that everybody put into it. I think it speaks to who we are. Also, a thank you to all the high school coaches in this state, but also everywhere we’ve been for receiving us and our coaches the right way and helping us navigate the process. For those that we ended up signing somebody from, thank you for, again, just trusting us, who we are, what we’re about and where this program is heading as you sent your players to us.”
On what he wants signee Nico Iamaleava to get out of the upcoming weeks and months in practice… “For everybody that’s here, I’m proud of the class that we put together. I think it’s 28 guys. For the guys that are here currently, Nico included, you’re not going to walk into the backend of the season, learn an entire playbook and know what to do. You get a chance to sit in meetings. You get a chance to go out there and do a lot of individual work. You get a chance to compete in some 1-on-1 situations. As much as anything, I think they learn the tempo of the game. They learn what it feels like to be a college athlete. I think it creates urgency in the way they prepare when they get back to campus. Even during the down time, for us, our guys don’t arrive until later in January. There’s a lot of time between now and then. I think it speaks to the urgency that they feel they have to have. It changes the way they approach the weight room. It changes the way they prepare, their understanding of our playbook, some of the fundamentals and technique that they’re going to need to go compete at a really high level during spring ball. I just got done talking to those guys after practice and I’m really proud for the guys who have been here already and gotten a couple of bowl practices underneath their belt. First of all, you notice their athleticism, their speed, their length and their size, particularly for the guys up front. In this class, we were able to go get guys who we think can help compete, grow and have an opportunity to play. They have to earn it, learn it and take it, but help us take a step. In particular, (help us) defensively. Two years ago, we were hit heavy in the portal. For us, continuing to recruit that defensive side of the ball to add the depth that we need, along with the athleticism that we want, that’s extremely important. For everybody that’s here, I think it helps create urgency in preparing for spring ball. Those guys have had an opportunity to spend time with our players. Our players that are inside of our building have been awesome with them by showing them what it means to be a Tennessee football player and what the culture is inside the building. They’ve had an opportunity to hang out with them outside of this building. We’ve done some team building stuff and I think it’s been a great experience for all of them.”
On signees Nathan Leacock and Arion Carter… “Arion is super athletic, smart and competitive. He’s one of the most mature guys that I’ve gone through the process with, just with what he was looking for and the questions that he asked every time that we had a conversation. He pays attention to details. You can notice that by the questions he’s asking about a previous game that we played and also by the way that he prepared for the games that he was going to play. That linebacker position is somewhere that we had to add a bunch of guys to depth-wise. I’m proud of the recruitment of Arion. That was big for us as a program. To get two of the top players inside the state and guys that will be able to help us for a long time is important. This group of guys is highly talented. I believe that there are going to be dynamic, elite players inside of this group. We were recruiting this off of a lot of outside noise still when we began this process with these guys. I think it speaks to our guys’ ability to evaluate inside of our building, look at where they’re at, where they’re going, their athletic traits and project where they’re going to be by the time you get to signing day. That’s true with Nathan. He’s long. He’s athletic. He’s already made plays out on the practice field. The thing I’ve loved about him so far is his ability to take a rep, take coaching and then incorporate that into his next rep. That’s what you’re looking for in your young guys.”
On signing the cornerback trio of Jordan Matthews, Rickey Gibson and Cristian Conyer… “All of our secondary guys that we brought in, all five of them are here on campus competing already. From day one that they stepped on the practice field, without intentionally trying to watch them, they would pop out. You notice their athleticism, their ability to play balls and be in great body position. They’re going to continue to grow fundamentally, but as a skill guy coming in on the defensive side of the ball, their ability to blend right into what we’re doing has been really impressive from all of those guys. You look at the corner position for us this year, the injuries that we’ve had and the lack of depth, it’ll be important for all of those guys to learn quickly and be ready to go compete by the time we hit the grass in spring ball.”
On the potential of signees Daevin Hobbs, Chandavian Bradley and Caleb Herring as pass rushers… “To me, if you’re going to start from scratch and build a program, it starts up front. We’re not starting from scratch, but that’s the quickest way to affect the game. It affects the way the game is played defensively, which changes the entire scope of the game in all three phases. Those guys are all high-level athletes. A lot of them play multiple sports. They’re explosive. You can see them jump off the floor if they’re playing basketball. You see short area quickness. They have great length. They have those physical traits that you’re looking for when you design your program. These are the measurements and the specifics that you’re looking for. Those guys all fit the criteria. Then, I think they’re highly competitive individuals who are about the right things and fit the culture too. It’s hard to find all of those things in one student-athlete that you’re able to sign. I think that class up front has a chance to help us change the way the game’s played.”
On what he likes about transfer tight end McCallan Castles… “At the tight end position, with the roster we inherited, being limited with the amount of guys we could sign a year ago and all of those things, that’s a real position of need for us. McCallan is athletic, has the ability to play in space, has physical size, strength, want-to and explosive power to play in the core as well, which is something that we have to have. You guys know that’s a huge part of our game. He’s smart, competitive and fits the traits. He’s already here. I think he blends into the culture of that tight end room extremely well, too. He’s already connected with those guys. We’re looking forward to getting him healthy and rolling here when we get back in January.”
On what he likes about Cameron Seldon and his versatility… “Dynamic player. You look at his junior tape, (it) was electric as a defensive player as well. He’s a football player. Instincts and then athleticism. Has the ability to help you in the return game as well. He’s a guy that has position flexibility, so for us in our tempo that gives you formation flexibility, it gives you the ability to find a matchup and put him in the position to go win. A guy that is a skill guy offensively. You have a dynamic, explosive athlete that you feel like will eventually have the ability to be a home run hitter. You have a lot of different ways to get him the football and obviously in what we do offensively, the creativeness that we have, we can find ways to use that weapon.”
On landing in-state talent Trevor Duncan… “Huge for us. Length, explosive power, he’s another guy that’s a football player. He’s extremely tough, he’s about the right things. I love the intangibles that he’s going to bring into the building. Can’t wait to get him here. It’s important that we recruit this state at a really high level. I mentioned that in my press conference the first day that I got here. Taking the right players that fit who we are and what we’re about that also have the ability to play at a high level. I like what our staff has done here inside of this state in this recruiting class as we continue to build it. Trevor is a huge part of that. He’s got a great future ahead of him.”
On what has impressed him about QB signee Nico Iamalaeva… “A lot of things. Got a chance to see him in person and on tape, too. He’s athletic, and I say that meaning that he understands his body. He can self-correct and get himself in the position as he’s learned what it should feel like in the pocket in a few short days. He can already start to correct himself, he understands when something happens, why it’s happening. That’s only going to continue to heighten. Obviously, the raw skills are there. Arm talent and extremely athletic and explosive inside of the pocket. Can make plays with his feet. In a short amount of time, we’ve been able to see those things already.”
On differences in recruiting between this year and last year… “In year one there was a lot of outside noise that we couldn’t control. You’re trying to talk about what you’re going to do, then you have proof of the growth of the program in year one. You’re still speaking to that growth in year two. These guys, a lot of them were already on board, some of them came on board as the season unfolded. I think they understand the trajectory, where this program is heading. The fact that you can compete for championships, winning national individual awards and achieve all your on-field goals right here while you’re wearing the Power T and you get to do it while you’re having a heck of a lot of fun competing every day with guys inside of the building. You put those things together, you got a really powerful product to go sell. As we continue to build here, I truly believe we’ll only continue to recruit at a more elite level as we continue down that path.”
On balancing recruiting high schoolers with recruiting transfers… “Year one, a lot of those guys were taken after spring ball. Just where our roster was at and trying to patch some things up as we were getting ready to go compete and play on the field. A majority of what we’re going to do is going to be through the high schools. I think you got to bring in kids that are going to develop. That gives you stability and growth inside of your program, gives you leadership inside of your program. There’s a culture piece to this game that’s extremely important. I think that has to live within your high school kids that you’re recruiting. At the same time, because of the transfer portal, there’s things that you may need to patch inside of your roster. Portal and junior college give you the ability to do that. But at the end of the day, I think it’s about roster development and the development of your players inside your program and that starts with the high school kids that you’re bringing in.”
Josh Ward’s Analysis: Spillman helps add depth at wide receiver as the Vols have to replace Jalin Hyatt and Cedric Tillman, who are off to the NFL, along with transferring receivers Jimmy Calloway and Jimmy Holiday. Spillman could be a good option at slot in the future.
Bio: A long and athletic in-state wide receiver out of Nashville known for his toughness and leadership ability … Helped lead Lipscomb Academy to back-to-back Tennessee Division II-AA State Championships … As a senior, was a key contributor on a Mustangs team that posted a perfect 13-0 record and finished the 2022 season ranked No. 10 in the nation by NationalHSFB.com, No. 14 by USA Today and No. 14 by MaxPreps … Rated a consensus three-star prospect by all major recruiting services … The No. 28 rated player in the state of Tennessee by Rivals … Two-time Division II-AA First Team All-Region selection (2021 & 2022) … Hauled in 22 catches for 348 yards and five touchdowns as a junior, including a 55-yard touchdown reception in the state title game … Committed to the Vols in March 2022 … Coached by former NFL quarterback Trent Dilfer … He and his younger brother, Edwin, were born in Sierra Leone before coming to the United States through a missionary orphanage program … Twitter handle is @nathanspillman3 … Instagram handle is @dba_nate5
