Tuesday was not the first appearance for Tennessee freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon in a news conference.
It was, however, his first as the starter for the Volunteers.
One day after Vols sixth-year coach Josh Heupel named Brandon as the starter for the Sept. 5 season opener against Furman inside Neyland Stadium, the 6-foot-4, 225-pounder from Greensboro, North Carolina, reacted to his new status. Brandon beat out sophomore George MacIntyre and senior Colorado transfer Ryan Staub for the top spot, with Monday’s reveal coming on the heels of Saturday morning’s second preseason scrimmage.
“I just feel really blessed, and I want to thank God for this opportunity to be the starter here,” Brandon said. “I’m excited, and I feel like everything paid off, but it’s not done yet. We still have the whole season ahead of us.
“This was one of my big goals, and I accomplished that, but I’m ready to keep working and preparing for the season.”