HOOVER, Ala. — Butch Jones quickly addressed the quarterback battle at SEC Media Days in Hoover, Ala., upon his arrival.

Ever since Joshua Dobbs played his last snap in the Music City Bowl win over Nebraska, the talk of who will replace the senior has been ongoing.

“I’m excited about our quarterbacks,” Jones said of junior Quinten Dormady and red-shirt freshman Jarrett Guarantano.

“I think playing time is earned, so if both players earn their right to play, we’ll play both quarterbacks.”

It remains to be seen if Jones will go with an experienced quarterback over one who has yet to take a snap in college. The fifth-year Tennessee head coach has a track record of doing so.

Justin Worley was a prime example, playing over underclassman Dobbs.

But how much more experience does Dormady actually have over Guarantano? Not much.

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Dormady (above) has played in seven games over the last two seasons in which he attempted a pass. The competition was against Bowling Green, Western Carolina, North Texas, Vanderbilt, Northwestern, Alabama and Tennessee Tech, totaling 39 pass attempts, 24 completions and one touchdown.

One would think if Guarantano is the better fit, then he should take the field.

One difference in Dormady and Worley is in their skill sets. It’s also a reason why Jones recruited Dormady to play in his offensive system that relies on a dual-threat quarterback, something that he has in common with Guarantano and something that Worley did not bring to the table.

“Quinten and Jarrett’s skill sets are very similar to each other,” Jones said. “I think we have an offense that really can play to the skill sets of the quarterback and all of the players around.”

Jones recognizes a difference in the two quarterbacks’ demeanor, but not in their style of play.

“They’re a little bit different as far as personalities. But they are very competitive, their skill sets are very similar and there is no time frame as they are competing every day. But they are also helping each other every day. You have Jarrett who is a feisty competitor, is young and ambitious. Then you have Quinten who has been in our program a little bit, he’s a little more reserved.”

Some may think that if you have two quarterbacks, you do not have one. Jones views it as “a good problem to have.”

Jones was stern at SEC Media Days about a starter not close to being named.

“We will not name a starting quarterback until the time is right. I can’t tell you when that is. That will be decided obviously on the field when we start training camp.

“Again, if both players earn the right to play, they’ll both play. Again, it’s how it’s going to play itself out, because these two individuals are very, very capable and very good football players.”

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Jones likes that Dormady and Guarantano (above) have been surrounded by “a blue-collar team” that has had their “best summer” since he arrived in 2013.

“I think it’s a tribute to our players, a tribute to our leadership, a tribute to Rock Gullickson and our entire strength and conditioning staff. Our players have had a great workman-like approach since January.”

QB comparison

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Jones has also allowed 7-on-7 work this summer for his players. The 7-on-7 work has allowed his signal-callers to receive additional preparation to become more comfortable with skill position players.

“Very, very productive any time you can simulate that,” Jones said. “The great thing is that the quarterbacks are leading it along with the older players. That’s been the thing with our football team.

“There have been times I have been told with Coach Gullickson saying, ‘you guys go home because we have another day to work tomorrow.’ I think just the overall work ethic, we are doing more group things in those sessions that are player-led then we ever had.”

Tennessee is scheduled to kickoff fall camp with their first practice July 29.