Envy is an organizational cancer. It can be combated by learning to celebrate the success of others.
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. - Romans 12:15
As Pastor Brady delivered yesterday's sermon, I couldn't help but think about the Vols and more specifically, their QB room. Anyone that follows this team knows Junior signal caller, Jarrett Guarantano, has had a rough year. He played poorly against Georgia State, BYU and Florida and essentially lost his starting job during a bye week.
Unless you've been living under a rock, you know about the QB sneak debacle against Alabama. Many fans, former players and pundits piled on Guarantano for "going rogue" and possibly costing UT the game with that one particular play. Many hoped he would never take another snap at UT. Luckily, the coaching staff didn't take this knee jerk approach with the young man.
Freshmen quarterbacks Brian Maurer and J.T. Shrout have been in the mix at quarterback over the last few games. Both have made mistakes but also flashed promise and on occasion brilliance. They both look like they could be the QB of the future for the Vols. Right now, however, it's a three-headed monster at QB (due to injuries and who has the hot hand), and all three have contributed during stretches in recent conference wins versus Mississippi State and South Carolina.
In a world where backup quarterbacks routinely enter the transfer portal or convey unhappiness with their role to coaches, it has been refreshing to watch these guys on the sidelines, in interview sessions and on Twitter. Not counting Jennings in the wildcat, Shrout started at quarterback against South Carolina, but JG didn't sulk. He was ready when his number was called.
When one quarterback makes a touchdown throw, the other two are the first to greet him on the sidelines to celebrate. The joy on their faces looks so genuine! There's no envy or bitterness towards the starter-of-the-week, and they certainly live out the "rejoice with those who rejoice" verse after touchdown passes or big plays. This sideline attitude spills over to interview sessions (when the players are made available) and Twitter banter. There seems to be zero envy within the ranks of the quarterback room.
As football fans, we appreciate competition, and there's no doubt that these guys all want to be on the field. One or two of the quarterbacks may transfer at the end of the season. Who knows? The current focus is all on 2019 and making it to a bowl game.
Right now, this team is 3-5, but there's a clear winning camaraderie and positive vibe. Much to the chagrin of the ever envious and bitter Dan Wolken, Coach Pruitt is building a winning culture. I've never seen a 3-5 team that seems to love being out there competing quite like this team. I'm sold no matter who is at QB, and I'm trying like heck to not be envious of teams like Alabama and Ohio State with undefeated records. After all, envy is an organizational and personal cancer that can rot your soul. I learned that from my Pastor and from a few young gunslingers down the road in Knoxville.
Go Vols! See Twitter screen shots below:
