Beyond the Orange: Joey Aguilar

Tennessee starting quarterback Joey Aguilar has been playing some sensational football coming to Tennessee in May. He joined Beyond the Orange sponsored by Knoxville Smiles to discuss his journey to instant impact on Rocky Top.

“Honestly I think I’m still adjusting,” Aguilar said. “I got here in a short amount of time and it was straight go. I don’t think I had a chance to sit back and take in everything that has happened and going on. But I can say I’m super thankful and super grateful to have this opportunity to represent Tennessee.”

Having transferred to UCLA during the winter window, Aguilar had to sit back and take in the chatter that Nico Iamaleava might be headed for UCLA in the spring window and that was tough even though it’s part of the business.

“That’s college football is college football,” Aguilar said. “They have to recruit and that’s just what it is. I didn’t take anything about it. I just stayed down and worked. When he came, I just had a conversation with the coaches and decided to enter the transfer portal and take a chance. Luckily Tennessee was open and they wanted me to come and when you have a chance to go play for Tennessee, you can’t pass that up. I took that risk and I’m thankful they wanted me and I’m here.”

Those first moments talking to Josh Heupel and Joey Halzle were important to get a feel if both sides could mesh.

“They called me and asked me straight up if I wanted to play there and if I wanted to get developed as a quarterback,” Aguilar said. “They told me they watched every game I was at App State and I told them yes. I’m not going nowhere to be at the same level I was. I’m going to a place trying to get better as a player. Trying to get technical with my form or throwing and how I break down film and defenses and installs. I told them I’m willing to get better. I’d say I’m pretty good but there is always room for improvement.”

Watch the full episode below.