{
  "id": 3102907,
  "title": "Why new Tennessee starting QB Faizon Brandon was compared to Lamar Jackson by teammate",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/why-new-tennessee-starting-qb-faizon-brandon-was-compared-to-lamar-3102907",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-24T20:08:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/why-tennessee-starting-qb-faizon-200820930.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Tennessee football's starting quarterback Faizon Brandon has proven to be a challenge for the team's pass rushers. This has led to comparisons between Brandon's elusiveness and that of former Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson. Edge rusher Jordan Norman specifically said that tackling Brandon feels like trying to tackle Jackson, who is known for his ability to run and shake defenders. While Coach Josh Heupel does not expect Brandon to be as dynamic as Jackson, he does see the freshman as an addition to the Vols' offense with his ability to extend plays through his legs. Sophomore George MacIntyre is capable of navigating pressure, but Brandon has shown his ability to do so since arriving on campus in January. Heupel's decision to pick Brandon as the starter over MacIntyre was based on multiple factors, including his understanding of the offense, technique, decision-making, and pocket awareness. Brandon's athletic ability to avoid defenders in the pocket is considered his strong suit. Norman believes bringing Brandon down has been mutually beneficial for both the offense and defense during preseason practice, as he has managed to slow down the quarterback wearing non-contact jerseys. Norman first noticed Brandon's elusiveness during a spring practice when he came off the edge on Brandon's blind side, only to be surprised when Brandon escaped the pocket.",
  "summary": "Faizon Brandon was named Tennessee's starting quarterback for the 2026 season. Edge rusher Jordan Norman compared his elusiveness to Lamar Jackson.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Realistic expectations for Tennessee freshman QB Faizon Brandon in 2026",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/realistic-expectations-for-tennessee-freshman-qb-faizon-brandon-in",
        "published": "2026-08-24T14:21:21.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}