It’s finally game week for Tennessee football and it’s Music City Bowl clash against Illinois. As countdown to kickoff continues, the Vols have made their way to Nashville and have begun practice.
After practice on Friday, Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar met with the media to give his thoughts on the game. He was asked about the weather, his offense, backup George MacIntyre and more.
Here’s what he said.
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On George MacIntyre being elevated to QB2 after Jake Merklinger transferred
“I think he’s prepared. He came a lot from when he first got here, obviously before I got here. And then when I got here to now, he’s grown a lot, got the playbook down and he’s ready. He is here for a reason. Super talented, super smart. He is a leader, so when he gets a chance, he will go out there and take advantage of it for sure.”
On where MacIntyre has grown specifically
“I would say all over the place. In the film room, getting the timing down with the receivers, being vocal and controlling the offense, film studies, asking good questions, learning defenses and just getting the scheme of what we got going on down to a tee. Obviously, there’s some stuff we can still work on all together, but when I got here up tonight, he’s grown a lot in those aspects and obviously getting his weight up. People are talking about his weight, but he’s getting up there, he’s pretty strong. People don’t think he’s strong, but he’s actually really strong. But he’s prepared and when he gets the shot, he’ll take advantage of it for sure.”
On the sense of urgency this month for MacIntyre
“I would say not as much. I would say just ’cause, I mean, he’s a competitor, so he comes in and competes every day just ’cause the chance is coming a little closer. I don’t think it’s spiked even more, but, you know, he’s ready and either it’s the next guy up and no matter who it is, he will be ready. And in the offseason, go out there and we compete in the classroom and on the field, so excited to see what he can do.”
On Radarious Jackson and Travis Smith Jr. having an increased role
“They get a lot of reps at practice, but, you know, a lot of team reps and first team reps is a little different, but they adapted well. They know what they’re doing and they’re out there competing for a spot. So it’s good to see them and I’m excited to go out there and play with them.”
On how important Tennessee is to him
“You could say it’s important, you could say it’s not. You know, I’m excited to go out there and play one more time for this team. I’m super grateful for the coaches, community and players for accepting me in.”
On putting the season into context between good and bad moments
“Just blessed and grateful. I just came in in a short amount of time and I had to grind and get the playbook down and get the connections down with the teammates and my coaches and a lot of little details like that, that mean a little more. So, I’m just super grateful to be in the position I am and a lot of people wish they could be in my position and play for the University of Tennessee. So that’s all I can say for that.”
On his comfort given most of the offense is playing
“Very, you know, what I mean? But at the same time, at practice a lot of guys rotate within groups. So I mean, live reps is a little different than practice reps, but I’ve been out there with all types of players out there. So it is very comforting, though, we’re out there playing one last game together and you got one more game of proof.”
On getting TE Miles Kitselman back
“It’s important, you know, he is a big aspect of our offense, in the pass and run game. So to have him out there is super exciting. Just one more target for me.
On Tennessee fans in Nashville
“I haven’t seen too much. Obviously, it was a little holiday, so everybody’s out celebrating and family, but haven’t been too much fans I’ve seen yet. Also, I haven’t really been out as well, but Nashville’s a little bigger town, you know, it’s got a lot going on, but I’m excited to see it, go around and explore.”
On it being cold
“I don’t mind. It’s fun at (App) State, last couple games we’re practicing in ten-degree weather out there in the snow and we’re trying to be tough out there with no long sleeves on, nothing on, freezing. But as you get going, it’s fun. Everybody out there enjoying it. So, I don’t think it’s too big of an aspect to worry about personally just ’cause I’ve been in that type of weather already. But it, it’ll be a fun game to go play.”
