SEC Media Days is just under a week away. Tennessee football has announced its representatives, and they shouldn’t come as any surprise.
Quarterback Joe Milton as well as tight end Jacob Warren and defensive lineman Omari Thomas will represent the Vols in Nashville.
Starting with Milton, let’s dive into why he earned a trip to Nashville as well as what we can expect him to be asked.
Why Milton will be at SEC Media Days
This one is pretty obvious, but sending a quarterback to media days was in the minority this year. Only five SEC teams are sending a quarterback.
Sending Milton to represent the Vols should act as a boost of confidence for everyone doubting his ability to take over for Hendon Hooker in 2023. As Caleb Calhoun wrote, it would be a massive red flag if Milton was not brought along for the trip.
Think about Alabama, which is also replacing its quarterback going into 2023. The Crimson Tide will not have a signal caller at SEC Media Days, adding to the questions about who will lead the offense.
There is not much question about who will quarterback the Vols. The job is Milton’s to lose. He has been spoken highly of by his teammates for his leadership ability, and now it is time for him to be the public face for that team.
Why Milton matters
The quarterback of Tennessee’s offense, under Josh Heupel, has quickly become one of the most important players in the SEC. Hendon Hooker was well on his way to a trip to New York City to watch the Heisman ceremony before he went down with an injury. Even then, his accolades put him among the best to ever quarterback the Vols.
Now it is Milton’s turn to take over where Hooker left off. Heupel’s offense opens up a lot of opportunity for him to put up video game numbers like his predecessor.
What will Milton be asked
Replacing Hooker at quarterback will definitely come up while at SEC Media Days. But what else will be asked?
How does he throw so hard? How far can he really throw an orange?
In all seriousness, Milton will likely be asked how he is managing expectations and how he plans to build off of what Hooker did last season. Both are valid questions, and his answers will be read until game one.
