2-Minute drill: Vols all-in on Justin Worley

Published: Aug 31, 2014 · 5:00 PM EDT

Butch Jones has once again put his faith into Justin Worley.

The senior quarterback reclaims the reins of Tennessee’s offense after missing the team’s final four games due to thumb surgery. Worley has yet to live up to expectations, enrolling at Tennessee as the 2010 Gatorade National High School Player of the Year. His play has been inconsistent, showing flashes of a solid passer at times, while also struggling.

But, according to his head coach, Worley has done everything possible to prove himself the best option at quarterback this offseason.

“His body of work this offseason speaks for itself,” Jones told SEC Nation’s Joe Tessitore on Saturday. “Justin [Worley] has started a lot of games and has elevated his game. It’s not just on the field, but also off. He’s handled everything exceptionally well and has proven to be a leader.”

Worley has the most experience of any Tennessee quarterback, making 10 starts in 17 career appearances. He was also Vols’ most productive passer, showing progress in 2013 before suffering his injury.

2014 will be the most important season in regards to Worley’s legacy at Tennessee and Utah State is the first step. The senior must exploit an inexperienced Aggies pass defense with a talented group of wide receivers.

While his opponent, Chuckie Keeton, enters tonight’s game with high expectations for success, Worley must prove himself to be an elite SEC quarterback and guide a young Tennessee team through its rebuilding process. If the inexperienced Tennessee offensive line provides time in the pocket, Worley should provide an impressive passing performance against a weak Utah State secondary.

Jason Hall

A former freelance journalist from Nashville, Jason covers Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Kentucky