Josh Heupel: Joey Aguilar 'handled himself really well' in first half as Tennessee QB

Josh Heupel’s first half with Joey Aguilar at quarterback for Tennessee went swimmingly. He passed for 179 yards and a touchdown as the Volunteers take a 17-point lead into halftime over Syracuse.

ESPN caught up with the Tennessee leader before he went into the locker room, where they discussed Aguilar’s play. Heupel is impressed, but he wants to see more in the second half.

“I thought he handled himself really well,” Heupel stated. “Been a good decision maker. Made some plays down the field. We’ve got to keep coming here. There’s some things we can clean up in all phases.”

The highlight of the first half for Aguilar was a beautiful 73-yard toss to Braylon Staley in the second quarter. That put Tennessee ahead by 17, and it’s been relatively smooth sailing ever since.

Perhaps the rumors of the Volunteers’ demise after Nico Iamaleava’s departure were greatly exaggerated. We’ll see if Tennessee can keep it up throughout the second half and over the remainder of the season, but they’re on fire at the moment.

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Moreover, Aguilar’s arrival in Knoxville coincided with Iamaleava committing to UCLA via the transfer portal. That’s when Agular, the incumbent Bruins signal-caller, entered the portal.

He’d previously committed to UCLA via the portal in the winter, with expectations to start. However, he had no interest in serving as Iamaleava’s backup and began searching for a new home. 

Tennessee was a natural fit. Earlier this summer, Aguilar thought back on his college career, evaluating how it’s made him the perfect quarterback for what the Volunteers need this season.

“Growing up I had to work for everything I got to. In high school, I was the starting quarterback. Graduating high school, I had nothing, no scholarships coming out of high school. Really took about two years off, with COVID and things like that. JUCO, and was a backup in JUCO. Earned a starting spot. App State, went to the first game as a backup. Earned a starting spot,” Aguilar told the media. 

“So, I’ve just been enjoying the process, and just working. Truly earning what I’ve accomplished has made everything so fun.”

So far, so good for Joey Aguilar. He’s looked tremendous against Syracuse, loving the opportunity that was unexpectedly afforded to him this offseason.