Joey Halzle's 2023 Checklist
As Joey Halzle takes the reins as Tennessee's offensive coordinator, the expectations are high for him to make a significant impact in his first season. His success will hinge on three critical factors. The trigger man has been with head coach Josh Heupel for years and understands his system well. Halzle also had a strong relationship with Alex Golesh, the former offensive coordinator who's now trying his hand as the head man at USF. Halzle has been waiting for this opportunity for years, and in his first season at the helm, these three objectives will serve him well.
Tennessee OC Joey Halzle
Maximize Joe Milton III
One of Halzle's primary responsibilities will be to maximize the potential of Joe Milton III, the talented transfer from Michigan who's spent the past two years in the shadows waiting for his chance. Milton possesses a cannon for an arm and impressive mobility, making him a dual threat on the field. Halzle must help Milton refine his decision-making, improve his accuracy, and enhance his pocket presence. By tailoring the offensive scheme to suit Milton's strengths and providing him with proper guidance, Halzle can unlock his full potential and create a dynamic passing attack for Tennessee.
Continue Offensive Line Development
No offensive coordinator can succeed without a solid offensive line. Halzle must prioritize building a cohesive and dominant front line that can protect the quarterback and create running lanes for the talented trio of running backs. Tennessee replaces several starters up front, including first-round draft pick Darnell Wright. The Vols run a specific scheme that requires linemen to anchor in the pocket and hold depth for a few seconds before the quarterback gets the ball out. It's a simple scheme that requires countless hours of installation, a job Golesh did quite well during his tenure. Those responsibilities now fall on Halzle, and with the offseason departures, it's been a point of emphasis all summer.
Lean on the Run Game
Tennessee boasts a deep and talented stable of running backs, including Jaylen Wright, Dylan Sampson, and Jabari Small. Halzle must find innovative ways to utilize their diverse skill sets to keep the opposing defenses guessing. Wright brings breakaway speed, Sampson adds power and toughness, while Small mixes the two skillsets and adds top-end vision at the line of scrimmage. By implementing a three-running back rotation, Halzle can keep the offense fresh and exploit matchup advantages against opposing defenses.
Halzle's first season running the show is an important one. He has all the tools at his disposal to pick up where Golesh left off, and he's been with Heupel for a long time. It's now time to see what he can do in action, and if he follows these three pillars, fireworks will be going off in Knoxville all season.
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