BYU Graduate Transfer Joe Critchlow details recent Tennessee visit, interest in Vols, and more here
Tennessee hosted a graduate transfer quarterback from BYU who has extensive ties to the state of Tennessee prior to the NCAA mandated dead period. The Franklin (TN) native, Joe Critchlow breaks down his trip to Tennessee, how the schedule change affects his process, and what is next for him here.
Critchlow entered the transfer portal during the off-season, and he has had plenty of coaches in contact with him since. You can see Critchlow's BYU profile here, as well as a full history of his route to BYU that included a two-year stint serving as a church missionary in Canada after high-school before enrolling here.
Critchlow has seen a lot of things, but this process is different than the recruiting process he originally went through. He said on this, "in high school, every college team is looking to sign 1-3 QBs each year. As a graduate transfer, it is very limited to only teams that have an immediate need. Also, looking for schools that have a specific graduate program – I will graduate in April with a Finance degree. I pushed myself to graduate in three years."
This recent visit was not the only look he got at Tennessee in the last calendar year, as he traveled with the Cougars to Knoxville when they defeated the Volunteers in September as well. He said on that experience, "It was awesome!! It was the loudest game I personally experienced. We tried to simulate the noise at practice, but there is no way to experience it until it is live. I was responsible for calling in the plays – it was so loud the noise in my headset was crackling.
The featured image from the article is Critchlow leading the Cougars onto the field.
In another interview, Critchlow said on the experience, “If you could combine church and a football game at BYU, that’s how I would compare the University of Tennessee football atmosphere,” Critchlow said. “The people worship the sport; it means everything to them. I’ve seen grown men cry, like when Tennessee threw a Hail Mary to beat Georgia a few years ago. I watched some of my friends’ dads burst into tears with how happy they were. It’s a different environment, football in the South, and I’m excited for our team, and hopefully to do really well.”
You can see two interviews that he did on the experience, and his history of attending games at Neyland Stadium, at the following two links.
With roots established in Franklin (TN) Critchlow admits he would like to get back home, but that is not going to be the determining factor in his process. He said, "I would like to play close to home, in the SEC or ACC but I have two years of eligibility and want to play. I will weigh all my options on the table. Not only did I visit UT, I had visits scheduled at Baylor and Memphis this week and in the process in scheduling other visits."
Critchlow knows the situation at Tennessee and said on the message from the staff and his thoughts about the quarterback room, "They have a full locker room with QBs, plus they are returning a starting senior. I respect every QB on the roster. The coaches know what they have, but I believe they like my experience with a pro-style offense. I can make all the throws, especially downfield. I am smart, I make quick reads, I am very accurate, and I am a leader and example on and off the field. Plus, I have 2 years of eligibility. I was recruited to play football at BYU by Ty Detmer, and I was successful at BYU with Coach Detmer and his system, since he left, the new coaches, which I respect, have a new type of offense and recruited their own QBs. They support me transferring. Coach Weinke knows Coach Detmer and understands my situation.
I believe Coach Niedermeyer took the lead in scheduling my visit. I was able to meet Coach Chaney and Coach Weinke and all the other coaches. I loved meeting one-on-one with Coach Weinke. He was very straight forward and honest. I respect his personal experience as a QB and his knowledge of the game. They invited me to attend the QB meeting and the Offensive team meeting prior to the first practice. I also was able to watch the first spring practice. Lots of fun."
Critchlow said on depth charts factoring into his decision, "very important. I want to compete to play the next two seasons. I want to start. I want to win! I believe UT has a great opportunity to win the SEC East and play for a SEC championship this season."
Several other schools will get to host Critchlow before he makes a final decision, which could continue to change based on how long this dead period lasts. He said, " I have visits planned with Baylor, Memphis, Central Michigan, Liberty, and FIU. I am in active communication with others. My timetable is changing due to the COVID emergency. I was hoping to make a change after teams had the opportunity to evaluate their needs after Spring Ball. Now, that practices have been canceled, I think the process and timetable will change."
Critchlow measures in at 6'4, 220lbs, and he completed 56% of his passes while at BYU, going 2-1 as a starter and participating in 9 games. Coming out of Franklin HS, he received the Admiral William P. Lawrence Awards, which is given to the top high school football scholar-athlete in the Middle Tennessee area based on scholarship, sportsmanship, and value to his team.