Joe Milton is preparing for his first full year as Tennessee’s starting quarterback.

While meeting with reporters at SEC Media Days in Nashville on Thursday, Milton was asked about how his experience in the Big Ten with Michigan compares to life in the SEC.

Milton said the size of the defensive linemen is a big differentiator. He recalled playing with Aidan Hutchinson at Michigan, but said SEC defensive lines have players his size across the board.

Milton also recalled being surprised at how a SEC defensive lineman was able to catch up to him in front of the goal line at one point last season.

“Guys, they may be 200 plus, right, but they’re running,” Milton said. “Those guys are running.

“For example, my first let’s say big SEC game, I won’t mention who it was, but I was running, and I saw the goal line. I was so happy. I’m thinking that I’m going to score, right? I just feel a big old hand come across my visor. I just went with it. At the same time I was thinking, This game is real. Those guys in the SEC can run and they’re fast.”

Milton spent his first 3 seasons of college football with Michigan. He transferred to Tennessee prior to the 2021 season.

Milton was impressive last season for the Vols. He completed 64.6% of his passes for 971 yards, 10 touchdowns and 0 interceptions.

Tennessee will face Virginia on Sept. 2. in its season-opener.