Quarterback Justin Worley of the University Tennessee football team answers questions during media day at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville on August 14, 2011.KNOXVILLE — Justin Worley admitted he was a little surprised when Tennessee’s coaches told the freshman quarterback to enter the fourth quarter of the Volunteers’ loss to Alabama two weeks ago.
The next day he was named the starter, and even when he was pulled after throwing two second-half interceptions in his first start, the Vols’ coaching staff stuck with him as its starter.
“It really boosted my confidence,” Worley said Saturday night after throwing for 291 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions in UT’s 24-0 win against Middle Tennessee State.
“It shows that they have faith in me, and I just have to make the best of the opportunity that I have now. When I got in the Alabama game, it hit me that was the first time I had played an actual opponent since the December before, so playing two games is some really good experience going forward. Being a true freshman, again, it’ll help down the road.”
The road is the next challenge for the 6-foot-4, 200-pound South Carolina native. Worley’s third start will be Saturday against eighth-ranked Arkansas. The Southeastern Conference announced Sunday that the game will kick at 6 p.m. and be televised by ESPN2.