While Tennessee QB Quinten Dormady is seen as the betting favorite to win the starting job, coach Butch Jones said that redshirt freshman Jarrett Guarantano recently had one of his best practices of camp.

Regardless, Jones isn’t in any hurry to name a starter.

“Like we spoke about earlier,” Jones said. “I don’t ever believe in setting timetables. When it manifests and when it happens, it happens. I see both individuals competing exceptionally hard.

“I thought Jarrett Guarantano probably had the best practice he’s had last night,” Jones said during his UT media day press conference. “I liked his command of the offense. I liked what he brought to the table. And Quinten has been very, very consistent day in and day out. I see both those individuals getting better and better.”

Jones is willing to let the competition continue to play out in practice, with no timeline set for naming a starter.

“Like we spoke about earlier,” Jones said, “I don’t ever believe in setting timetables. When it manifests and when it happens, it happens. I see both individuals competing exceptionally, exceptionally hard.

Guarantano’s recent absence from practice due to a family emergency meant more reps for third-stringer Will McBride.

“Unfortunately, Jarrett had to miss a practice,” Jones said, “but the reps that Will McBride received as the No. 3 quarterback, that was eye-opening for him. ‘Hey, Will, all the talk is about Quinten and Jarrett, but you’re one snap away from being No. 2 and you’re two snaps away from being the starting quarterback at Tennessee.’

“The reps that he was able to gain in some team situations, I think, was very important for him as well.”