Jeremy Pruitt shares latest on Tennessee’s QB situation heading into UAB game
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Heading into Week 10, quarterback has been an “all-hands-on-deck” situation for Tennessee.
Redshirt junior Jarrett Guarantano began the season as the returning veteran incumbent starter. Guarantano was benched, however, in favor of freshman Brian Maurer earlier this season. In Saturday’s win over South Carolina, WR Jauan Jennings opened the game at QB before redshirt freshman J.T. Shrout entered. On Wednesday, UT coach Jeremy Pruitt was asked about his team’s QB situation heading into Saturday’s game against UAB.
Pruitt told reporters that J.T. Shrout took roughly 50 percent of the practice reps on Wednesday with Brian Maurer taking 40 percent and Jarrett Guarantano taking roughly percent. Pruitt pointed out that Guarantano only took 10 percent of the reps because he’s coming off of recent hand surgery and, according to Pruitt, the other QBs needed more reps. Guarantano was Tennessee’s leading passer in the 41-21 win over South Carolina in Week 9.
“Jarrett’s got something to prove, he knows that,” Pruitt told reporters. “He’s out there. He’s a tough guy and I believe he’ll be ready to play even with limited practice.”
Pruitt said that all three quarterbacks are cleared to play on Saturday against UAB, but he didn’t detail how playing time will be divided.
“How we play them, we still have not decided yet,” Pruitt said.
Entering Week 10 with a 3-5 record, the Volunteers are pushing to get closer to six wins and bowl eligibility. The UAB game is set for a 7 p.m. ET kickoff and will air on ESPNU.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
