Develop a Backup Quarterback
Jarrett Guarantano was huge against West Virginia, showing off his arm talent and his command of the offense. The redshirt sophomore is unquestionably the No. 1 quarterback and has been since camp started.
Tennessee brought in Keller Chryst as a safety-net, and while he only played four snaps against the Mountaineers — all run plays — he’ll receive meaningful snaps against ETSU. The question is whether he’ll be the only quarterback to play. Yes, Will McBride is on the roster, but freshman JT Shrout has impressed early on. He may even be ahead of Chryst and McBride on the depth chart by the time October rolls around.
Saturday will be an opportunity for Chryst or Shrout to separate themselves and potentially win the backup quarterback job. With some of the licks Guarantano has already taken, it could prove to be very important that a clear No. 2 quarterback emerges.
Tennessee and East Tennessee State will kickoff on Saturday at 4 p.m. ET on the SEC Network.
