Joey Aguilar transferred to Tennessee at a time when the program’s future was uncertain. The team had just lost its projected starting quarterback due to contract disputes, parental ultimatums, and various other complications. Despite the instability, Aguilar arrived ready to work, and Tennessee quickly saw him as a perfect fit.
“Aguilar fits what Tennessee is looking for, a proven starter with one year to play. He passed for 6,760 yards and 56 TDs last two years at App. State. Also a very capable runner. Heupel and Vols definitely looking for another QB,” ESPN’s Chris Low wrote.
From the moment Aguilar stepped on campus, he showed what kind of player and leader he was. It quickly became apparent he had the ability to lead a team.
“The first week he was here with all our guys, he took the offensive linemen out to dinner," Josh Heupel said. "Those are little steps in developing relationships where you can eventually lead them. When you're coming in, how you present yourself every single day inside and outside the building is going to be how players perceive you. He has an ability to connect with our guys as a veteran guy. He has developed relationships and earned the trust of those guys."
After a heartbreaking loss to Georgia on Saturday, Aguilar once again showed why he's considered one of the best leaders in college football.
“Tennessee senior QB Joey Aguilar said if he'd personally executed better, the game wouldn't have gotten to overtime. Said his job is to help Tennessee win games, and he left too much on the table, and that it starts with him,” Wes Rucker posted.
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Even after throwing for nearly 400 yards and having five touchdowns, Aguilar took full responsibility for the loss. While he did throw two interceptions—one after taking a hit and another after a receiver slipped—he refused to blame anyone but himself. There were plenty of reasons Tennessee came up short, but Aguilar made it clear the responsibility started with him.
This willingness to shoulder the blame is exactly why Aguilar has already made such a profound impact. He’s only been on campus a few months, but he’s already proving to be the difference-maker Tennessee has been missing at the quarterback position.