Josh Heupel didn’t mince words about his starting quarterback after Tennessee’s first scrimmage on Tuesday.

“He’s been in really good command of what we’re doing offensively,” the Vols’ head coach said when asked about starting quarterback Hendon Hooker.

Heupel even took the positive commentary a step further, adding that Hooker has been in “complete command”, is making better decisions with offensive adjustments and is more decisive when he drops back into the pocket to throw. 

“He did some really great things out there today,” Heupel said following Tuesday’s scrimmage.

Hooker sets a high standard. However, Heupel doesn’t expect every player to reach that same standard. That would be difficult considering that the new players, especially freshmen, still have so much to learn.

“They’re not going to be perfect,” Heupel said. “Continue to progress and don’t make the same mistake twice.”

Heupel said he was pleased overall with Tennessee’s scrimmage.

“Really good day out there, back and forth, both sides of the ball,” he said.

Heupel said Tennessee did a good job of limiting turnovers on Tuesday. However, the offensive coach gave kudos to linebacker Jeremy Banks, who had an interception during practice. Heupel said he was also pleased with his defense and its play in goal line situations. 

Not left out

Heupel was hesitant to discuss the ongoing battle at left tackle following the scrimmage. Understandably, he’d like to see the video of Jeremiah Crawford and Gerald Mincey in their first preseason scrimmage before he starts passing judgement.

“Overall, both of them are highly competitive,” Heupel said. “They’ve progressed from spring ball.”

Heupel was quick to point out that both players will be needed no matter who wins the starting job. In fact, Tennessee will need many more offensive linemen than the five that start the season.

“We will need them all,” Heupel said. “We will need those two, but we will need them all.”

The real McCoy?

Heupel said he had no update on the eligibility of receiver Bru McCoy, who transferred to Tennessee from Southern California. So far, he has not been deemed eligible for this season, likely because he has transferred three times.

McCoy originally transferred to Texas from Southern California, then back to USC and, finally, transferred to Tennessee. The Vols will have to continue wait for the NCAA.

Man on the move

The Vols brought in Lyn-J Dixon from West Virginia to add depth to the running back position. Heupel said he’s pleased with Dixon’s effort and that the player has even made a few plays in the time he has been at Tennessee, which has been less than a week.

“Since he’s gotten in, he’s in a race to learn what we’re doing as fast as he possibly can,” Heupel said.

Young ones

Heupel didn’t go into depth when asked about his young players, but said this, “The young guys in our program, I’ve been really pleased…I love the culture of those young guys.”