Tennessee's Cedric Tillman adjusts to quarterback competition

Tennessee wide receiver Cedric Tillman didn’t tip his hand when it comes to the Volunteers’ quarterback competition, but he did provide some insight on what it’s like practicing with multiple signal-callers under center.

“Sometimes, it can be tough, honestly,” the redshirt junior said after Tennessee’s Monday morning practice.

Tillman has grown accustomed to readjusting to new quarterbacks. The Las Vegas, Nevada native first arrived in Knoxville in 2018, a three-star freshman, and has since seen the Volunteers trot out four different starting quarterbacks: Jarrett Garantano, J.T. Shrout, Brian Maurer and Harrison Bailey. Tillman has largely flown under the radar in his three years, accumulating just eight receptions in 25 appearances, along with 124 yards and two touchdowns, but he figures to hold an important role in 2021 as a veteran piece of a new-look offense.

Only one quarterback — Bailey — is a familiar face for Tillman. First-year head coach Josh Heupel has yet to name a starter ahead of the Volunteers’ Sept. 2 season opener against Bowling Green, and so far this fall, Tillman has caught passes from three candidates: Bailey, Joe Milton and Hendon Hooker.

Milton, a Michigan transfer, seems to be the favorite so far, but Hooker, a Virginia Tech transfer, and Bailey, a former four-star recruit, are still in the mix.

Tillman familiarizing through film study

Although Tillman said the adjustment from one quarterback to another can be difficult, he has utilized the film room, among other tools, to help familiarize tendencies with his new quarterbacks.

“Going up and watching film with certain quarterbacks, going up to the sidelines afterwards and saying, ‘Hey, I want the ball here’ or the quarterback saying ‘I want you to run a route like this,'” are some of the strategies Tillman said he’s used.

“Joe [Milton] actually came up to me today and said, ‘Hey, I want you to do this instead of that,'” Tillman continued. “Just getting on the same page.”

Overall, Tillman sang high praise for the mentality of the quarterback room, saying each member brings unique leadership characteristics to the table.

“They kind of lead in different ways,” he said. “Those guys are all competing, they’re all leading and they’re all great quarterbacks.”