By Sawyer Hunley
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — After the sudden transfer of quarterback Nico Iamaleava, Tennessee was left with no true starter at quarterback. Then the Vols recruited Joey Aguilar to be the lead signal caller for Tennessee. The California native arrived on Rocky Top in May, amid serious question marks and doubts about the program’s future.
Doubted by many when he transferred, Aguilar has since proven everyone wrong—leading the SEC in passing yards with 2,344.
It doesn’t stop there – he also ranks second in the conference with 18 touchdown passes this season.
Junior Braylon Staley has been a revelation in the receivers’ room, benefiting from the strong play of the transfer quarterback. The Aiken, South Carolina native has logged 628 yards on the season with 47 receptions.
“I’m very impressed,” Staley said. “A lot of people didn’t think he was gonna be able to do it, but we believed in him.”
The belief in Aguilar has for sure paid off for the entire wide receiver room. The Vols’ three starting wide receivers are all in the top seven in receiving yards in the SEC. Their belief as a unit that they had in their quarterback speaks volumes to the cohesion of the offensive attack despite potential setbacks.
The turnaround was immediate, from an Orange & White scrimmage in the spring filled with anxiety to Aguilar coming from UCLA after successful moments at Appalachian State.
This season, we’ve already seen narrow losses to top opponents and expected blowouts over other opponents. At the core of the turnaround is the once unknown transfer.
“He came in with a good mindset. He created a bond fast. He built that trust with us,” Staley said. “Just getting out on the field and getting extra minutes with us helped have that trust in him.”
This belief and continuity between Aguilar and his wide receivers is a huge part of why Tennessee’s offense is having so much success this season, as they lead the SEC in total offense, averaging nearly 46 points per game and 510 yards per game.
It’s amazing how far just a little belief and a little trust can take a football team.
Very good insight and well presented. Keep up the good work young man.
Great article!!
Shows that an unknown can rise with the right squad.
Great article, Sawyer!
Another great article Sawyer!
Love the angle you took on this article!
Good insight…Game of inches…
Great article Sawyer. I believe your future is bright.
Great info!
Sawyer, what a great article!!!! Well done! 🙂 Whiz
Amazing quarterback for sure and a great TN team. Excellent article as well.
Great read Sawyer! Even for an Alabama fan : )
This is such a great piece, Sawyer! Love how you told the story and tied it all together. You’ve really found your voice as a writer – so proud of you!
Wonderful story! Go Vols!🧡
Great article Sawyer!
Great Article, Sawyer!!!
Great insightful article !!!!
Great article Sawyer you’re doing a great job just like the Tennessee ball
Great article! Well written and such a solid piece on the Vols! 👏 🧡
Great article Sawyer.
Great article! Well written and I learned a few things about Aguilar.
Great article Sawyer just keep following your dream!
Another great article Sawyer! Go Vols!
Great article on the importance of believing in success.
Love reading your articles. Keep up
the good work!!! 🧡🏈
Good article. Nice summation of uncertainty turned into success.
Go vols!
Very well written!! I enjoyed reading it. Sawyer, your future in writing articles is very great as far as I’m concerned! A great read.
Great article Sawyer!!! You have found your calling!! Proud of you!!
Wonderful article Sawyer. Thank you!
You are in your element, Sawyer! Your talent for writing and love for UT football is shining through! GO BIG ORANGE!
Good job dude
Keep rocking
Great article! Just goes to show you that when you play together and believe in your teammates it will carry you a long way! GO VOLS!!!!