Tennessee Volunteers to start Michigan Wolverines transfer Joe Milton III at QB

Tennessee will use Joe Milton III as its quarterback in the season-opening match against Bowling Green on Thursday.
Josh Heupel, the first-year coach, announced his decision Monday during a news conference. Heupel cited Milton's decision-making skills and abilities.

Milton, who was originally from Michigan, transferred to Tennessee in April. He had been the starter last season before being eventually benched.

Milton made five appearances with Wolverines and completed 80 of the 141 passes. He also scored four touchdowns, and four interceptions.

Milton defeated Hendon Hooker, a former Virginia Tech transfer, and sophomore Harrison Bailey to become the Vols' Week One starter.

Heupel answered a question about whether he would play more than one quarterback.

He said, "All of them must prepare like the starter." "I expect Joe to get the ball first and play his butt off in an excellent way."

Heupel took over the program as the head coach at UCF in January. Heupel said that Hooker and Bailey had handled the decision in a "real positive way."