When asked about a possible timetable regarding Tennessee’s starting quarterback just days away from the season opener in Atlanta against Georgia Tech, head coach Butch Jones was evasive following Thursday’s practice.

While Jones’ lips remained tightly sealed, the team’s starting running back apparently already knows who will take the first snap against Tech on Sept. 4 in the new Mercedes Benz Stadium.

According to Patrick Brown of GoVols247, Kelly hinted that the Vols already know the answer.

“Only time will tell,” Kelly said. “I mean, we know who’s going to be the starting quarterback, but it’s going to be a good one.”

Kelly didn’t reveal the answer but all signs point to junior Quinten Dormady being the team’s opening starter. While redshirt freshman Jarrett Guarantano may not start, he is expected to be given every chance to seize the job with strong play in the games that count following the camp battles that have raged on since Joshua Dobbs left Knoxville.

Tennessee won’t open SEC play until Sept. 16 in Gainesville, but the Vols will likely need to get the position settled by that point if the team is going to leave the Swamp with a win. The odds will likely be against Tennessee and if the Vols have any chance in that game, a leader will be needed to will the team to victory in one of the most difficult road environments the SEC has to offer.

Which quarterback best fits that description remains to be seen but we could find out come the end of Labor Day Weekend.