Big Orange Report August 7, 2025

Meet the Vols 2025

Quarterbacks

Position Coaches-- Josh Heupel, Joey Halzle

Joey Aguilar-- Senior (6-3, 225, 4.6) from Antioch, California (Transfer from UCLA and Appalachian State)-- After two productive seasons at App State, Aguilar entered the transfer portal and UCLA came all the way across the country to add him to the Bruins roster. He returned to the Southeast when a former Tennessee quarterback abandoned the Vols and signed with UCLA. Aguilar shattered six career passing records with the Mountaineers and produced 7212 yards of total offense. He averaged 270 yards per game and threw for 56 touchdowns. He had a career high game against East Carolina when he lit up the stats sheet with 424 yards through the air. He is also a tough scramble that is not afraid to collide with defensive backs. He ran for 452 yards at App State. Reports indicate that he has worked overtime to learn the Tennessee system and throw to the Vol receivers during player workouts over the last two months. He was the Cure Bowl most valuable player following a victory over Miami (Ohio).

Jake Merklinger--Red Shirt Freshman (6-3, 215, 4.6) from Savannah, Georgia-- Tennessee's third team quarterback last fall, Merklinger got into only two games and preserved his red shirt status. He threw nine passes and completed six for 48 yards. He now finds himself in a battle for the starting nod with Aguilar after adjusting his delivery and mechanics during off season work and spring drills. He was a four-year starter at Calvary Day School in Savannah where he threw for 113 touchdowns and rushed for 32 scores. During his senior campaign he passed for 3028 yards and 38 touchdowns with only two interceptions. He also ran for 450 yards and 12 six-pointers. Merklinger was a top 10, four star rated prospect on all four recruiting services' charts and he received 30 offers including nine from SEC schools.

George MacIntyre-- Freshman (6-6, 195, 4.65)-- from Franklin-- This lanky first year man was a three-year starter at Tennessee High School powerhouse, Brentwood Academy. He was a high four-star recruit across the services and was ranked No. 10 passer in the nation by ESPN and No. 8 by Rivals.com. He has 36 offers after his prep career was over including nine from SEC schools. During his time at Brentwood, MacIntyre threw for 8293 yards and 62 touchdowns. He is the grandson of George MacIntyre, Sr. who is a former head coach at Vanderbilt University. He was an early enrollee and participated in spring drills with the Vols this year. MacIntyre will probably see action this season while he continues to mature both physically and in the Tennessee offensive system.

Position Summary

The battle between Merklinger and Aguilar for the starting nod against Syracuse will continue and will not be decided until late this month. Both might even play in the opener. When scrimmage action begins, that might have a significant bearing on the final decision by the offensive staff. Both have been hot and then cold in early practice sessions.

Vol Notes

The staff has been pleased with some of the younger players thus far, particularly at tight end and linebacker. The wait may be over for Ethan Davis to spread his wings at tight end after positive work during the offseason and with veteran Miles Kitselman helping to coach Davis up. Freshman Jack Van Dorselaer is tough and seems to relish contact as a blocker. Another first year tight end, Dasaahn Brame, is turning some heads in practice.

Rookie linebackers Jadeon Harman and Jadon Perlotte are being coached and pushed hard by William Inge. Both these first year players are athletic with a nice twitch that includes a quick first step.

Both William Satterwhite and Sam Pendelton have worked at center with the first strong offensive line. Pendelton will start at left guard if the staff elects to go with Satterwhite at center.

The saga of Boo Carter continues. He is back with the team and is awaiting his call to hit the practice field. Meanwhile, he took time to visit Children's Hospitals twice last week. 

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