Josh Heupel discusses relationships QB Joey Aguilar has built with Tennessee teammates since arrival
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
Josh Heupel has yet to name Tennessee‘s starting quarterback as heralded true freshman George MacIntyre, redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger, and transfer Joey Aguilar battle for the QB1 spot left vacant by Nico Iamaleava’s departure for UCLA.
If there’s one player that’s stood out among the three thus far, though, it’s Aguilar, Heupel noted at SEC Media Days on Tuesday. And it started not long after Aguilar arrived on campus.
“The first week he was here with all our guys, he took the offensive linemen out to dinner. Those are little steps in developing relationships where you can eventually lead them,” Heupel said, according to KnoxNews’ Adam Sparks.
Aguilar’s decision to transfer was connected to that of Iamaleava’s. The former Appalachian State standout initially landed in Westwood, but after Iamaleava transferred in, the Northern California native re-entered the portal, ultimately landing in Knoxville.
And Heupel has been impressed by the initial impression Aguilar, App State’s single-season leader in passing yards, passing touchdowns, and total offense in 2023, has made.
“When you’re coming in, how you present yourself every single day inside and outside the building is going to be how players perceive you,” Heupel said. “He has an ability to connect with our guys as a veteran guy. He has developed relationships and earned the trust of those guys.”
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
