Joe Milton III’s topsy turvy Tennessee career is over with the super senior quarterback opting out of the 2024 Citrus Bowl against Iowa.
Milton came to Tennessee from Michigan with high expectations but never reached the ceiling that his unique skillset created. But there’s one positive that no one can dispute about Milton, he went about things the right way and was a selfless teammate and member of the Tennessee football program.
That was apparent when he lost his starting job after suffering an injury early in the 2021 season. He became Hendon Hooker’s biggest supporter and handled himself the right way in the ensuing 22 games he spent as Tennessee’s backup.
“Man, what that guy has done for three years for us has been been awesome,” Tennessee offensive coordinator Joey Halzle said of Milton. “Obviously to come in and go through what he did, getting injured and then, obviously, when he stepped in and started playing the way he did, sticking around and not only not being a negative draw on the team, but being a positive influence to it.”
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Milton stepped back into the starting quarterback job after Hooker tore his ACL late in the 2022 season. The South Florida native played well as Tennessee knocked off Clemson in the Orange Bowl for its first New Years Six bowl win in over two decades.
The 6-foot-5 quarterback didn’t play at the level anyone hoped during the 2023 season but the bottom didn’t fall out for Tennessee with Milton at the helm. Tennessee turned in an underwhelming 8-4 regular season that still tied the Vols’ second best season in the last 15 years.
Now, with his final game in the orange-and-white behind him, Milton traveled with Tennessee to Orlando and is providing help and guidance for freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava.
Milton’s selfless acts that have elevated his teammates is how Halzle wants Tennessee fans to remember Milton.
“Now here as he’s leaving on his way out, doing everything he can to make sure that Nico is as prepared and ready to play, giving him insight,” Halzle said. “I can’t say enough positive things about that guy, man. He’s been great. What a VFL stands for. That’s what I can say about him. He’s just, big-time guy. Good, good character. Great, great ball for us. And I think the Tennessee fans, they should be really appreciative of his three years here at the university.”
One Response
Sorry, when you opt out of playing you let your team down and fail to honor the full commitment you made to the program In my opinion NOT a VFL