Tennessee receiver says Joe Milton has 'unique' arm

Tennessee wide receiver Cedric Tillman spoke on Michigan transfer quarterback Joe Milton, who’s physical stature and arm talent has garnered recognition from his Volunteer teammates.

Tillman described Milton’s arm as “unique”

He went on to explain.

“Joe’s always moving around,” Tillman said via 991TheSportsAnimal.com on Monday. “The first couple practices during spring with Joe we’d kind of stop because we’re so far down the field but Joe is like ‘I can throw it 70-80 yards so you’re good.’ That’s just something I had to get used to but he can definitely throw it 70-80 yards”

Standing at 6-foot-5, 243 pounds, Milton has a rare build for the quarterback position. Tillman has also liked what he’s seen from Milton in the run game.

“Joe’s a big quarterback,” Tillman said. “He can move, he’s going to get a bunch of yards this year in the running game. He’s got some wheels on him too.”

In an earlier media availability, Tennessee wide receiver Jimmy Calloway noted Milton’s arm talent to Knoxville News Sentinel’s Mike Wilson

“They all really throw the same, except for Joe,” Calloway said. “He is different.”

A new addition to the Vols QB room

Milton transferred in from Michigan after spring ball. He entered the portal in February and announced his commitment to Tennessee in late April. Milton entered a quarterback room that already featured Virginia Tech graduate transfer Hendon Hooker and returners Harrison Bailey and Brian Maurer.

Maurer, notably, has missed five straight practices.

Despite praise for Milton’s talent, Vols head coach Josh Heupel has yet to name a starting quarterback.

After a scrimmage on Saturday, Heupel singled out Joe Milton’s presence in the pocket but was careful not to let up too much. All three quarterbacks left in the quarterback battle received nearly equal reps in the scrimmage.

“I thought he managed things really well inside of the pocket,” Heupel said via 991TheSportsAnimal.com. “For Joe and for Hendon and for Harrison, some of it’s tough because you’re not in a live situation. Are they going to make the play, or are you going to be able to get out of the pocket, those types of scenarios. I thought all of them did a great job of taking care of the football, were efficient in calling it. For the most part, I thought their decision-masking in what we’re doing in the run game and controlling the pass game, too, was pretty solid.

Joe Milton transferred to Tennessee after three seasons at Michigan. Last season, Milton appeared in all six games of the COVID-19 shortened season, starting five for the Wolverines. In six games he threw for 1,077 yards with four touchdowns and four interceptions. In his first two seasons at Michigan, Milton appeared in a combined seven games, attempting just 11 passes total.