Tennessee QB Jarrett Guarantano says he received death threats during 2019 season
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Jarrett Guarantano had the high point of a rocky junior season Saturday at Missouri.
Then the Tennessee quarterback shed light on the lowest point, referencing death threats he received and messages his sister, also a Tennessee student, received. And he thanked his teammates for their support through it all.
“There were so many guys that were there for me throughout the death threats, the mean messages to the sister," Guarantano said. "They were all there for me and it really meant a lot. There were some hectic times for me and they were there for me every step on the way.”
Guarantano threw for a career-high 415 yards Saturday at Missouri in Tennessee's 24-20 win to clinch a bowl berth. The Volunteers quarterback made his first start since Sept. 21 at Florida.
He didn't have a great start to the season and was benched during Tennessee's loss at Florida in favor of freshman Brian Maurer. Maurer started the next two games, while freshman J.T. Shrout earned starts when Maurer was sidelined following back-to-back concussions.
Guarantano, the incumbent starter entering the season, has played in every game this year. He played as a backup in other games, including a stellar relief performance against South Carolina.
“They have been excellent,” Guarantano said when asked how his month pre-South Carolina went. “I have been really happy. Everything has been going pretty smooth. That’s about it.”
Guarantano had an efficient performance against UAB a week later, then went 7 of 8 passing for 115 yards and two touchdowns at Kentucky in the following game.
Then Saturday at Missouri, he was outstanding in leading the Vols to their sixth win.
Guarantano has thrown 1,817 yards and 15 touchdowns this season. He has thrown one interception in the past six games.