Heupel names true freshman Faizon Brandon as No. 20 Tennessee's starting quarterback

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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Coach Josh Heupel will start Faizon Brandon at quarterback when No. 20 Tennessee opens the season on Sept. 5 against Furman, the second true freshman ever to start a season for the Volunteers and the first since 2004.

How long Brandon stays in the job depends on how he plays.

“We named him the starter because we believe in the work that he has put in and how he’s continued to grow and play throughout training camp and the second week through the second scrimmage,” Heupel said Monday. “He’s earned that right. But just like every position you can consistently evaluate.”

Brandon beat out George MacIntyre, who threw nine passes while backing up Joey Aguilar last season. He joins Brent Schaeffer, who opened the 2004 season as the starting quarterback before another freshman, Erik Ainge, went 7-2 the rest of the season, helping Tennessee go 10-3 and win the Southeastern Conference East title.

Schaeffer transferred after that season.

Heupel said Brandon didn't do just one thing to earn the starting job. The coach said the freshman has shown control and command of what the Vols do offensively, including with fundamentals, technique, dropping back or on run-pass option plays.

“You look at the total volume of work, and he’s earned the right to start,” Heupel said.

Heupel said he told the Volunteers at a team meeting that Brandon would be the starting quarterback. Tennessee is using this week as a mock preparation for the schedule of a game week. Asked about the timing, Heupel said it was simple: “Just when we came to a conclusion ultimately.”

Other freshmen to start for Tennessee during their first college seasons include Peyton Manning in 1994, Casey Clausen, Tyler Bray, Josh Dobbs and Nico Iamaleava in the 2023 Citrus Bowl.

Brandon threw for 6,374 yards and 79 touchdowns and rushed for 1,261 yards and 21 more scores while helping Grimsley High School in Greensboro, North Carolina, win back-to-back state titles. The 6-foot-4 Brandon was rated the nation’s No. 3 quarterback and No. 10 overall prospect in the 247Sports Composite.

Tennessee goes on the road on Sept. 12 visiting Georgia Tech and then hosts Kennesaw State before the Vols' first SEC game. Texas visits on Sept. 26.

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