The Growth of Jarrett Guarantano
RTI contributor Murphy Carlton wrote this section
While you’re watching to see what Jim Chaney’s offense looks like in its first outing, make sure you keep a close eye on Tennessee’s starting quarterback, Jarrett Guarantano.
The 2019 season is shaping up to be potentially a big year for the redshirt junior. Although he will be playing under his fourth offensive coordinator and in a new system, Guarantano seems up for the challenge and is going to put in the work to make sure this next year is a successful one for the Vols’ offense.
There are two things to pay close attention to when it comes to Guarantano during the Orange & White game. Obviously, Guarantano’s improvement and progression on the field compared to 2018 will be the top priority, but also look out for how Guarantano takes on more of a leadership role with the offense.
Last season was Guarantano’s first season as the full-time starting quarterback for Tennessee. He had 153 completions on 246 attempts, 12 passing touchdowns, a 62 percent completion percentage, and only three interceptions. Guarantano had a good season, but there were still some things that stuck out that gave UT’s gunslinger some issues.
The offensive line was one of the worst in Tennessee history. While Guarantano is not to blame for that, it still led to Tennessee allowing 23 sacks in 12 games played, and he also took multiple hits after he already released the ball. Some of these were monstrous hits that left Guarantano shaken up or even hurt. This season, however, the Vols should have a better O-line, and that should help in keeping the quarterback on his feet instead of on his back. Keep an eye on the protection he gets on Saturday and how many times he gets “hit.”
A big criticism last season from fans and some analysts was that Guarantano was unable to pick up blitzes and recognize coverages from the defense. What will the defensive coaches throw at Guarantano to see how he responds? With a full season of seeing different defenses, Guarantano should also have more experience at recognizing what he is facing, and as a result, he should be able to make changes if need be.
The final improvement to keep an eye on — which really isn’t an improvement specifically for Guarantano as much — is to see the Vols’ starting offense put up big points while on the field. Yes, it’s a scrimmage game and ultimately means absolutely nothing in the grand scheme of things, but seeing this offense come out and put up big points would make everyone feel more comfortable moving forward. Maybe not about the defense, but that’s for another time.
Finally, let’s talk about JG as a leader of this football team. It’s been reported throughout the spring that Guarantano has become a big-time leader of his offense, along with the emergence of other leaders. The quarterback is the leader of the offense, so it’s a good sign that the redshirt junior is “more comfortable” as a leader coming into this season.
There is even a video that circulated Twitter this week that really impressed some fans. The video shows UT freshman quarterback Brian Maurer jogging with his head down, and then Guarantano runs over and makes sure that the young freshman keeps his head up. This shows the camaraderie that this group of QBs already have, and that will be huge for this team moving forward.
.@BroadwayJay2 literally picking up @maurerera_2 head at Spring Practice today.
If that’s not an example of leadership, I don’t know what is. #Vols pic.twitter.com/rVORnOF88F
— Jordan Crammer (@JordanCrammer) April 10, 2019
If a drive ends with an interception, sack, or fumble, it will be worth paying attention to the sideline to see whether or not the guy keeping the offense focused and positive is Jarrett Guarantano.
