Why the heck not?

[lifeisdeep]

Maybe just maybe Hooker improved to win the job. Hooker wasn’t a true freshman that still needed to fill out and had experience as well. But to all the barristers of the quarterback position oh here carry on. I will stand behind the coaches who see them everyday. But by all means keep at it. GBO!

Pay better attention. They were still starting Milton until he got hurt and they were forced to play Hooker. If Milton had not gotten injured, our best QB in nearly twenty years would have stayed on the bench.

 

[Woodlawn VOL]

Pay better attention. They were still starting Milton until he got hurt and they were forced to play Hooker. If Milton had not gotten injured, our best QB in nearly twenty years would have stayed on the bench.

That’s your opinion. I pay attention. So your on record saying you don’t think Heupel knows how to evaluate quarterbacks???

 

[hUTch2002]

Pay better attention. They were still starting Milton until he got hurt and they were forced to play Hooker. If Milton had not gotten injured, our best QB in nearly twenty years would have stayed on the bench.

You don’t know that though. Usually when your injured starter comes back they get to start again but Heupel stayed with Hooker. That alone makes him better than every coach we’ve had for 20 years.

 

[lifeisdeep]

That’s your opinion. I pay attention. So your on record saying you don’t think Heupel knows how to evaluate quarterbacks???

This is a silly question. It’s not even subject to opinion - he gas already made not a small but a colossal mistake evaluating quarterbacks previously, while employed by this very team. I was merely arguing that it’s pretty indefensible at this point to assume Nico couldn’t do better just because Heupel is choosing not to play him.

 

[sjt18]

Pay better attention. They were still starting Milton until he got hurt and they were forced to play Hooker. If Milton had not gotten injured, our best QB in nearly twenty years would have stayed on the bench.

Really? You KNOW that exactly how? Milton got nicked up. He was available the next game and Heupel still started Hooker. The next game he named Hooker the #1 QB.

So other than biased speculation... exactly how do you K-N-O-W that Hooker wouldn't have become the starter?

 

[sjt18]

This is a silly question. It’s not even subject to opinion - he gas already made not a small but a colossal mistake evaluating quarterbacks previously, while employed by this very team. I was merely arguing that it’s pretty indefensible at this point to assume Nico couldn’t do better just because Heupel is choosing not to play him.

Yes it is. It is pure, unadulterated speculation. You simply don't know because it didn't play out that way. It is IMPOSSIBLE for you to know what would have happened.

 

[sjt18]

Yeah... Kinda like they did last year with HH and Milton? Unfortunately, for you... the facts are that this staff started Milton over HH in '22 when it was pretty obvious to the rest of the WORLD that HH is far superior at the position. Maybe Hooker and Milton had different "reps" in practice. So I'm not sold that this "staff" knows exactly WHAT they are seeing in practice.

OK. You've done enough to not deserve "polite" anymore. How stupid are you? YOU CANNOT assume that a guy who does NOT perform as well in practice will perform better than someone who performs better in practice on game day. Not only can you not make those assumptions... if you start doing it then you'll completely lose the respect of your team.

EVERYONE. Not just the staff but every single person who observed practice said that Milton was miles ahead of everyone else. Former Vol players said that it wasn't a close contest. So the "fact" is that Milton earned the job. If you have half a brain and you're in Heupel's shoes THEN... you would have made the exact same decision. You have the advantage of hindsight. Heupel made a decision and within 3 games had changed that decision. The fact that Hooker's opportunity happened to come when Milton got nicked up isn't proof that a change wouldn't come.

LOL. You still think you know more than they do WITHOUT seeing practice. You are a piece of work. If you saw practice... they'd still be better at evaluating what happened than you.

Yeah. They did have different practice reps. Hooker had the entire spring and had not nailed the job down. They started out August equal pegging but Milton EARNED more reps.

 

[cgrish]

They couldn’t tell until we was thrown into the game after an injury from Joe. Sometimes that’s how things happen. if hooker wasn’t looking great in practice it’s hard to blame the staff for that. I agree that Milton is not playing well, but to just assume nico is a gamer and will come in and do well is a risky bet that would probably end up being wrong 80% of the time. If nico were to be put in and struggle heavily you have hurt his confidence, Milton’s confidence, and the team overall.

I think Milton should be the starter, he has earned it, but in our hopefully next easy win Nico should get more playing time with the 1's in the game for game experience. And regardless of the score let him get some passes before the 3rd down. This imo is the best thing that could happen. We have 2 games left on our schedule that should give Nico some good playing time. This will be very valuable going into next season.

 

[bpalmer28]

You mean the same guys that were seeing Hooker every day in practice two years ago and thought Milton was better? Those infallible perfect coaches?

Milton is better. The receivers are just bad this year. Hopefully Dee will be ready to contribute by the UGA game. We’ll beat Bama by 2 scores.

 

[hUTch2002]

Yeah... Kinda like they did last year with HH and Milton? Unfortunately, for you... the facts are that this staff started Milton over HH in '22 when it was pretty obvious to the rest of the WORLD that HH is far superior at the position. Maybe Hooker and Milton had different "reps" in practice. So I'm not sold that this "staff" knows exactly WHAT they are seeing in practice.

That’s some hilarious revisionist history. No one thought Hooker was going to be anything near what he was coming out of VA Tech.

 

[RockyTop140]

That’s some hilarious revisionist history. No one thought Hooker was going to be anything near what he was coming out of VA Tech.

But thats heupels fault, he shouldve realized that some players are gamers.

 

[LWSVOL]

I keep hearing everyone say that it would be foolish to start a true freshman in Tuscaloosa and my question is "Why?" He is a 5 Star and he is getting paid big money to deliver big performances like SEC road wins. The truth is we have no clue what he is capable of playing meaningful snaps with the starters. What would it hurt to roll the dice and start him the first drive and see what he can do? We know what we have with Joe. He is struggling. It is what it is. But Nico is still an intriguing mystery.

he is not a mystery for Heuple and Hazle. Not at all..

 

[hUTch2002]

Fair enough. But to my point, practices aren't games and you cannot simulate real game experience in practice. And if Nico doesn't get more real game time, we're back to square one with an inexperienced QB leading the charge in '24.

Now that’s reasonable. It would be great to get him in some. We have him for 3 years no matter what if he’s as good as advertised. It’s up to us whether we play him 2 of those 3 or all 3.

 

[LWSVOL]

I see a lot of debate over "practice" and what a QB shows in "practice".

Be very aware, a QBs response to film study of the opposing teams defensive sets as far as what is the pre-snap check or will the called play work versus that set is a huge factor with coaches. I've no idea how Nico does with his film study or understanding the game plans that the coaches present to the QBs but coaches take all of that into consideration when game prepping and deciding who will play an dhow much. This not just WB exercises either, each position group goes through it.

Don't get hung up on "practice" because this week, there is a lot more involved in preparing for Alabama (and every team every week) than just "practice".

 

[lifeisdeep]

I see a lot of debate over "practice" and what a QB shows in "practice".

Be very aware, a QBs response to film study of the opposing teams defensive sets as far as what is the pre-snap check or will the called play work versus that set is a huge factor with coaches. I've no idea how Nico does with his film study or understanding the game plans that the coaches present to the QBs but coaches take all of that into consideration when game prepping and deciding who will play an dhow much. This not just WB exercises either, each position group goes through it.

Don't get hung up on "practice" because this week, there is a lot more involved in preparing for Alabama (and every team every week) than just "practice".

Is this a serious post? Have you watched Milton play? We haven’t started a QB that displayed less mastery of film study and in-game management than he does.

 

[LWSVOL]

Is this a serious post? Have you watched Milton play? We haven’t started a QB that displayed less mastery of film study and in-game management than he does.

sure I've watched him. He has not played well. No where have I indicated that he has mastered anything. He may be terrible at it but better than everyone else. Both could be true.

But I've no idea how he or Nico or Gaston are at practice, film study, game prep or understanding the game plan. I doubt anyone outside of the coaches and players know where any of them are with all the preparation to play Alabama.

 

[gunner]

I keep hearing everyone say that it would be foolish to start a true freshman in Tuscaloosa and my question is "Why?" He is a 5 Star and he is getting paid big money to deliver big performances like SEC road wins. The truth is we have no clue what he is capable of playing meaningful snaps with the starters. What would it hurt to roll the dice and start him the first drive and see what he can do? We know what we have with Joe. He is struggling. It is what it is. But Nico is still an intriguing mystery.

Let the coach make that decision that’s why he’s paid 9 million dollars a year. If he thinks Milton is their best chance to win then that’s good enough for me. I’d like to see Nico play more too but it’s not my decision.

 

[jeff1vol]

Pay better attention. They were still starting Milton until he got hurt and they were forced to play Hooker. If Milton had not gotten injured, our best QB in nearly twenty years would have stayed on the bench.

Exactly. Let's hope they aren't making the same mistake right now. Some of us are getting older and "just wait until next year" doesn't resonate as much as it used to. If Nico simply doesn't know what he's doing at the position by now... that's a bad sign. But I could understand not playing him if that is the case. However, throwing away seasons because "the risk of injury is too high" is beyond selfish and makes zero sense. You play for RIGHT NOW... not down the road. Its not fair to those on the team that DON'T HAVE a next year. But what do I know?

 

[SayUWantAreVOLution]

Exactly. Let's hope they aren't making the same mistake right now. Some of us are getting older and "just wait until next year" doesn't resonate as much as it used to. If Nico simply doesn't know what he's doing at the position by now... that's a bad sign. But I could understand not playing him if that is the case. However, throwing away seasons because "the risk of injury is too high" is beyond selfish and makes zero sense. You play for RIGHT NOW... not down the road. Its not fair to those on the team that DON'T HAVE a next year. But what do I know?

"Throwing away the season" is going 5-1?
Going 5-1 isn't "playing for right now?"
Not being fair to those who don't have a next year.......like Joe Milton?

We get it already. Some of y'all are just bummed to the core that Joe Milton isn't Hendon Hooker and doesn't play like him. I am too.

Somehow you've managed to create this narrative in your head that Nico IS like Hendon Hooker and that's all you ever want to see from UT again...... QBs like Hooker.

Josh Heupel has changed his offense to fit his best players this year. It's been hard for me to watch too. I've complained. I've wondered what's up. I've wanted that excitement back from last year. I'm not going to get it.

Joe Milton will continue to be the QB at UT until
Nico proves to Josh Heupel (not me, not you) he's able to do what Coach Heupel wants done this year at UT better than Joe Milton.

Next year if Nico is great, you guys will want a victory lap because "I was right. Nico is better." Actually, Josh Heupel is better than you give him credit for. Next year he'll develop ANOTHER specific offense tailored to his players.

Step back, look at the difference this year vs last in play calling, passing, receiving, etc. Josh adjusted his offense. He'll do the same next year. That's the sign of a good coach.

 

[LWSVOL]

Exactly. Let's hope they aren't making the same mistake right now. Some of us are getting older and "just wait until next year" doesn't resonate as much as it used to. If Nico simply doesn't know what he's doing at the position by now... that's a bad sign. But I could understand not playing him if that is the case. However, throwing away seasons because "the risk of injury is too high" is beyond selfish and makes zero sense. You play for RIGHT NOW... not down the road. Its not fair to those on the team that DON'T HAVE a next year. But what do I know?

Its not a bad sign its just coaches doing what coaches do. True freshman do not always make impacts and participate first year on a team. Most are not ready physically, emotionally or mentally.

ON3 had five quarterbacks in the 2023 recruiting cycle as 5 star players. 4 of the 5 are on pace to be redshirted this season. Now they might get into games between now and the end of the season and not redshirt but as of today, they could be redshirted.

Nico has made two appearances so he could be redshirted.

Arch Manning has not played at all at Texas so it sure appears he is going to be redshirted.

Malachi Nelson at USC played in the first game mopping up so it sure appears he will redshirt.

Jackson Arnold at Oklahoma has gotten into 4 games and if he plays anymore he won't redshirt. It was all late in the games in blow out situations.

The one 5 star who has earned the starting job is Dante Moore at UCLA. He became the starter in the second game and has had his ups and downs as a true freshman would. He has completed 83 passes in 163 attempts with 7 interceptions while leading UCLA to a 3-2 record as a starter. He has thrown for 10 TDs. He has been sacked 16 times which is not untypical of a true freshman. Be interesting to follow him and see how this experience helps him in the future.

I realize the argument will be for three of those that they have experienced quarterbacks playing which keeps them in the background. But none of the 4 on track to redshirt are getting meaningful reps in games that matter. So they are not gaining experience in tight situations, just mop up reps. Is that a bad sign for them as well? Are services missing on 4 of the 5 five star players? or maybe the coaches know what they are doing??

 

[SayUWantAreVOLution]

Its not a bad sign its just coaches doing what coaches do. True freshman do not always make impacts and participate first year on a team. Most are not ready physically, emotionally or mentally.

ON3 had five quarterbacks in the 2023 recruiting cycle as 5 star players. 4 of the 5 are on pace to be redshirted this season. Now they might get into games between now and the end of the season and not redshirt but as of today, they could be redshirted.

Nico has made two appearances so he could be redshirted.

Arch Manning has not played at all at Texas so it sure appears he is going to be redshirted.

Malachi Nelson at USC played in the first game mopping up so it sure appears he will redshirt.

Jackson Arnold at Oklahoma has gotten into 4 games and if he plays anymore he won't redshirt. It was all late in the games in blow out situations.

The one 5 star who has earned the starting job is Dante Moore at UCLA. He became the starter in the second game and has had his ups and downs as a true freshman would. He has completed 83 passes in 163 attempts with 7 interceptions while leading UCLA to a 3-2 record as a starter. He has thrown for 10 TDs. He has been sacked 16 times which is not untypical of a true freshman. Be interesting to follow him and see how this experience helps him in the future.

I realize the argument will be for three of those that they have experienced quarterbacks playing which keeps them in the background. But none of the 4 on track to redshirt are getting meaningful reps in games that matter. So they are not gaining experience in tight situations, just mop up reps. Is that a bad sign for them as well? Are services missing on 4 of the 5 five star players? or maybe the coaches know what they are doing??

Great info. Thanks.

I note 5*, 1.0 composite Quinn Ewers, highly thought to be a "generational QB," never saw the field at Ohio State (and was probably 3rd string there as a true freshman) while there's little doubt he could've started at a whole lot of schools. He was fine taking a full year to learn.

Arch, with a composite 0.99, had to know that being Ewers backup was a strong possibility when he signed at TX. He seems fine taking a year to learn.

This thought that 5* guys are automatically ready and automatically better than the guy ahead of them isn't reality based. Thanks, again, for the info.

 

[whobethis16]

Is this a serious post? Have you watched Milton play? We haven’t started a QB that displayed less mastery of film study and in-game management than he does.

Did you call for Tee Martin to be removed because of his regular 50% or less completion percentage and mediocre 2:1 TD:INT ratio? Milton's numbers are still superior to Martin's, but I'm just trying to see what your threshold is for saying Milton is the worst of film study and in-game management.

 

[Volfan76]

Did you call for Tee Martin to be removed because of his regular 50% or less completion percentage and mediocre 2:1 TD:INT ratio? Milton's numbers are still superior to Martin's, but I'm just trying to see what your threshold is for saying Milton is the worst of film study and in-game management.

Please tell me that you aren't trying to compare Tee Martin to Joe Milton. Where are you getting that he had less than 50% completion rating? I remember him setting the record for the most consecutive passes in the NCAA.

 

[VOLINVONORE]

That’s your opinion. I pay attention. So your on record saying you don’t think Heupel knows how to evaluate quarterbacks???

Regardless, his statement was/is correct.

 

[whobethis16]

Please tell me that you aren't trying to compare Tee Martin to Joe Milton. Where are you getting that he had less than 50% completion rating? I remember him setting the record for the most consecutive passes in the NCAA.

Simple. It's called looking at box scores via UTSports.com. And for the cumulative numbers, just Google "Tee Martin college stats" and they're there on Sports-Reference. 9 of his 25 games started (1998 and 1999) he threw 50% or less. That's pretty regular at 36%. He's a career 55.4% completion percentage guy. His best year was 1998 where he threw 57.3%. And that was even with those consecutive passes.

1998: Syracuse, Florida, Auburn, Arkansas, Miss State all were 50% or less
1999: Florida, South Carolina, Arkansas, and Kentucky were 50% or less.