Faizon Brandon's control, command of Tennessee's offense detailed

Quarterback Faizon Brandon will start as a freshman for No. 18 Tennessee in Week 1. The Vols will open their season Sept. 5 versus Furman at Neyland Stadium (3:30 p.m. EDT, SEC Network+).

Brandon will be the first Tennessee quarterback to start a season as a true freshman since Brent Schaeffer in 2004.

Sixth-year head coach Josh Heupel discussed what Brandon did to separate himself in Tennessee’s starting quarterback competition.

“I don’t think there’s just one thing,” Heupel said. “You know, at times people want to say, is there one focal point that changed it? I think in all, his control, command of what we’re doing offensively, that’s in the run game, it’s the RPO game, it’s the drop back, play action.

“Combine that with the fundamentals, technique, pocket awareness. You put all those things together, decision-making, taking care of the football, while still allowing his playmakers to make plays down the field. You look at the total volume of work, and he’s earned the right to start.”

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