Tennessee named freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon its starting quarterback, head coach Josh Heupel announced Monday.
Brandon beat out sophomore George MacIntyre and Colorado transfer Ryan Staub for the starting role. A former five-star recruit, Brandon ranked as the No. 3 pocket passer on ESPN's SC Next 300.
"We named him the starter because we believe in the work that he has put in and how he's continued to grow and play throughout training camp and the second week through the second scrimmage," Heupel said, according to The Associated Press. "He's earned that right. But just like every position, you can consistently evaluate."
Heupel informed the team of his decision in a meeting earlier Monday morning, according to the Knoxville News Sentinel's Adam Sparks.
Brandon, who's 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, enrolled at Tennessee in January. He found himself in a competition for the starting job under center after last year's starter, Joey Aguilar, failed to gain an extra year of eligibility.
The 18-year-old Brandon joins an illustrious list of true freshmen to start at quarterback for Tennessee, including Peyton Manning, Casey Clausen, Erik Ainge, and Joshua Dobbs. Brent Schaeffer was the team's last true freshman QB to start a season opener, doing so in 2004.
The Volunteers will open their season against Furman on Sept. 5 at Neyland Stadium. Brandon's first road test will be Sept. 12 against Georgia Tech.
