Though many in Vol Nation have soured on Tennessee coach Butch Jones, redshirt freshman QB Jarrett Guarantano will always have his coach’s back.

Appearing on the “Vol Calls” radio program on Wednesday night, Guarantano explained why he chose to commit to Tennessee and what he sees in the program’s future.

Guarantano said he has high hopes for Tennessee in the coming years and also said he feels comfortable with Jones, calling him a “second father” (via KnoxNews.com):

“I just loved the atmosphere here,” Guarantano said on the radio show. “I really see a big picture and a future, and I really think that the University of Tennessee is going to be on top soon. I felt very comfortable with Coach Jones. He’s like a second father to me, and I think the program is on its way up.”

Guarantano made his first career start on Saturday against South Carolina, a game the Vols lost 15-9, extending their streak without a touchdown to 10 quarters.

Playing against No. 1 Alabama this weekend won’t be easy for the young quarterback, but he may need to take a big step forward quickly to save his coach’s job.