Faizon Brandon could have returned home to North Carolina to visit family and friends during breaks from practice in the offseason. But the University of Tennessee true freshman quarterback wanted to give himself the best chance to play, so he chose to remain in Knoxville.
Brandon realized that by staying on campus he would have more resources at his disposal to improve. As many of his teammates dispersed, Brandon spent time in the weight room, in the film room and throwing passes to any receivers who were at the facility.
The dedication was rewarded last week when Brandon was named the season-opening starter for the Vols. The former five-star recruit will make his debut behind center when UT hosts Furman on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CDT (SEC Network+/ESPN+) at Neyland Stadium.
Brandon will be the first true freshman to start at quarterback for Tennessee since 2004 when Brent Schaeffer got the nod.
“Just really excited. Felt like everything really paid off even though it’s not done yet,” Brandon says. “Still got a whole season ahead of us, but that was one of my big goals and I accomplished that. I just felt very excited but still ready to keep working and prepare for the season.”
Everything week-to-week
Brandon beat out sophomore George MacIntyre for the starting role, although UT head coach Josh Heupel stressed that every position is “week to week” in terms of starting.
“We named (Brandon) starter because we believe in the work that he’s put in and how he’s continued to grow and play throughout training camp and the second week, through the second scrimmage,” Heupel says. “He’s earned that right. But just like every position, you can consistently evaluate.”
Brandon will be guiding a UT squad coming off an 8-5 season, including 4-4 in SEC play. He replaces Joey Aguilar, a fifth-year senior who had his request for a preliminary injunction for an extra year of eligibility denied by a judge in February.
Over the last few months, Brandon’s teammates have watched his growth and his willingness to learn as he makes the transition from high school to high-level Division I football.
“From the first day he was on campus to now, really seems like a changed man,” senior offensive lineman Shamurad Umarov says. “Every day he has been coming in, learning, he’s in before dang near everybody. He is just asking as many questions as he can.”
Strong rookie support
Brandon will take the field behind an experienced offensive line and surrounded by a solid group of offensive talent, including running back DeSean Bishop and wide receivers Braylon Staley and Mike Matthews. Bishop rushed for 1,076 yards and 16 touchdowns last season while Staley and Matthews combined for 131 catches, 1,761 yards and 12 touchdowns.
The reps Brandon gained during the spring and summer combined with the extra time he spent at the facility make him believe he’s ready to step behind center as a true freshman.
“I definitely say I gained a lot of confidence,” Brandon says. “I felt very confident going into fall camp, and all my teammates helped me along the way continuing to get better, continuing to help build my confidence also. All the input they gave me, I would like to thank them also.”
New looks at Neyland
Brandon will be making his debut in front of a sold-out crowd at Neyland Stadium, extending UT’s home sellout streak to 28 straight games. Six of UT’s seven home games this season have already sold out, with Kentucky the only game with tickets still available.
Fans will be greeted with upgraded amenities at Neyland this season. UT has installed a new state-of-the-art sound system and extended the southeast concourse on the third level with new concessions, a renovated restroom and new water bottle filler fountains.
The new “Champions Corner” outside of Gate 9 on the southwest side of the stadium honors UT national championship head coaches Robert Neyland, Doug Dickey and Phillip Fulmer. Neyland’s statue is being moved from the west side of the stadium to “Champions Corner,” and statues recognizing Dickey and Fulmer will be unveiled later this fall.
Brandon is excited to experience the Neyland atmosphere and run through the T for the first time on Saturday. He says his dream was to be named the starting quarterback for the Vols this year, and he wants to do everything possible to make it a lasting designation.
“I would really say just going out there and trying to play my game,” Brandon says. “Not trying to do anything spectacular, but just do everything I’ve been doing along the way and not let anything change when I get out there.”