Justin Scott Worley (born November 20, 1992) is a former American football quarterback. Worley played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers.

Justin Worley
refer to caption
Worley (#17) trying to evade a tackle by Jadeveon Clowney during a high school game on August 28, 2010
No. 14
Position:Quarterback
Personal information
Born: (1992-11-20) November 20, 1992 (age 31)
Rock Hill, South Carolina, U.S.
Height:6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight:222 lb (101 kg)
Career information
High school:Northwestern
(Rock Hill, South Carolina)
College:Tennessee
Undrafted:2015
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career highlights and awards
  • Taxslayer Bowl champion (2015)
Career NFL statistics
Player stats at NFL.com

Early years edit

Worley attended Northwestern High School in Rock Hill, South Carolina, where he played high school football and was teammates with wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson.[1] As a sophomore, Worley helped lead Northwestern High School to the state championship game against town-rival South Pointe High School.[2]

Regarded as a three-star recruit by the Rivals.com recruiting network, Worley was listed as the 24th-ranked pro-style quarterback in his class.[3] He was selected as the national high school Gatorade Player of the Year in 2010.[4]

College career edit

Worley played backup to Tyler Bray during most of his first two seasons (2011–2012) at Tennessee and only started nine times before the 2013 season.[5] Once the 2013 season started, Worley was named the starter for most of the time when he was healthy.

2011 season edit

On October 22, 2011, Worley was pushed into action against #2 Alabama Crimson Tide in relief of quarterback Matt Simms. Worley did not record any meaningful statistics except one rush for no yards in his first appearance for the Vols in the 37–6 defeat at Bryant–Denny Stadium.[6][7] After a 14–3 home loss to South Carolina the next week at Neyland Stadium,[8] Worley recorded his first career victory with the Volunteers against Middle Tennessee. In the 24–0 home victory over the Blue Raiders, Worley threw his first career collegiate touchdown to wide receiver Da'Rick Rogers.[9][10] Worley's last appearance in the 2011 season came in a 49–7 loss to #8 Arkansas at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Worley had 208 yards passing and one interception in the defeat.[11] Quarterback Tyler Bray returned from injury to finish out the 2011 season for the Volunteers.[12]

2012 season edit

In the 2012 season, Worley did not appear much as he did in the 2011 season as Bray was the starting quarterback for all of the season's games. In the 2012 season, Cordarrelle Patterson, who Worley was teammates with in high school, joined the Volunteers after transferring from Hutchinson Community College. On September 8, 2012, against Georgia State, Worley came into the blowout 51–13 home victory to finish the game in relief of Bray.[13] Against #1 Alabama, Worley relieved Bray in the 44–13 defeat at home.[14] In the penultimate game of Tennessee's 2012 season against Vanderbilt, Worley made his last appearance of the season after Bray got benched by head coach Derek Dooley, who would be fired after the game. Worley recorded 51 passing yards and interception in the 41–18 defeat at Vanderbilt Stadium.[15][16]

2013 season edit

Going into the 2013 season, Tennessee had a new head coach, Butch Jones. Bray left Tennessee to enter the 2013 NFL Draft, and Worley was named the starting quarterback over Nathan Peterman, Joshua Dobbs, and Riley Ferguson after training camp.[17] During the 2013 season, he was able to achieve some success but his personal achievements did not lead to overall team success. In the season opener against Austin Peay at home, Worley had a solid outing with 104 passing yards and three touchdowns in the 45–0 win.[18][19] However, after a 52–20 win over Western Kentucky at home,[20][21] he was benched after a poor performance in Tennessee's 59–14 loss at Autzen Stadium to Oregon[22][23] for Nathan Peterman.[24] Peterman started the next game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, but played poorly in the first half and was injured. Worley was put into the game in the second half of the 31–17 defeat,[25] and he was named the starter once again after a decent outing against the Gators. One of his most notable performances in the 2013 season was against #6 Georgia, where Tennessee lost a narrow game at home by a score of 34–31 in overtime.[26] He had a season-high 215 passing yards in the defeat.[27] He had a solid performance against in a home game against #11 South Carolina, where he led Tennessee to its first win over a ranked team in several years with a game-changing pass to wide receiver Marquez North, which set up a Michael Palardy field goal as time expired to win the game by a score of 23–21.[28][29] The next week, he sustained a season-ending thumb injury against #1 Alabama at Bryant–Denny Stadium. Freshman Joshua Dobbs relieved Worley in the 45–10 loss[30] and was later named the starter for the remainder of the 2013 season.[31] Under Worley and Dobbs, Tennessee would finish 5–7 and not reach bowl eligibility, which was the third consecutive season that the Vols missed a bowl game.

2014 season edit

In 2014, Worley returned from his thumb injury was named the starting quarterback for the Vols for his senior season. The task was tough for Worley as Tennessee had to replace the entire offensive line from the previous season.[32] He started in seven games in his senior season with the Volunteers. He started the season opener at home against Utah State. In the 38–7 victory, he had 273 passing yards and three touchdowns.[33] Worley would have solid outings over the next two weeks but with very different results. Against Arkansas State, Worley had 247 passing yards and two touchdowns in the 34–19 home victory.[34] Against #4 Oklahoma the following week, Worley had 201 yards passing and a touchdown, but suffered through five sacks, in the 34–10 defeat at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma.[35] Against #12 Georgia two weeks later, Worley had 264 yards passing and three touchdowns in the narrow 35–32 defeat at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia.[36] After a narrow 10–9 home loss to Florida[37] and a 45–10 victory over Chattanooga,[38] Worley would play in the last game of his Tennessee career against #3 Ole Miss at Vaught–Hemingway Stadium. Worley was injured in the 34–3 loss and was relieved by Nathan Peterman.[39] Worley would have season-ending shoulder surgery from the injury he sustained in the Ole Miss game.[40] His season totals were 1,579 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, eight interceptions, 62.3% completion percentage, and was notably sacked 29 times, of which some blame was given to the inexperience of Tennessee's young offensive line in the 2014 season.[41] Tennessee finished the season with a 7–6 record with Peterman and Joshua Dobbs at quarterback. The team became bowl eligible for the first time since 2010. Before his injury, Worley's contributions played a role in helping Tennessee get in position to return to a bowl game.

Statistics edit

Season Passing
GP Cmp Att Pct Yds Avg Lng TD Int Sck Rtg Raw QBR Adj QBR
Tennessee Volunteers
2011 4 48 87 55.2 604 6.94 50 1 3 3 110.4 21.8 25.3
2012 5 15 23 65.2 134 5.83 19 0 2 0 96.8 35.5 51.2
2013 8 109 196 55.6 1,239 6.32 51 10 8 6 117.4 50.2 61.9
2014 7 157 252 62.3 1,579 6.3 56 12 8 29 124.3 41.6 57.7
Total 24 329 558 59.6 3,556 6.4 56 23 21 38 118.6 37.3 49.0

Professional career edit

On November 24, 2015, Worley was signed as an undrafted free agent to the Chicago Bears' practice squad.[42] His contract with the Bears was terminated on December 8.[43]

Personal life edit

After his stint with the Chicago Bears, Worley returned to Rock Hill and was employed by the Rock Hill YMCA. Worley's responsibilities are overseeing the youth sports programs, sports clinics, and the fitness room.[44]

References edit

  1. ^ Brown, Patrick (August 16, 2012). "Cordarrelle Patterson learning fast in camp at UT". Chattanooga Times Free Press. Archived from the original on December 15, 2019. Retrieved August 17, 2018.
  2. ^ Fair II, Kerry (December 5, 2008). "FINAL: South Pointe 35 Northwestern 14". SCPrepNation.com. Archived from the original on August 18, 2018. Retrieved August 17, 2018.
  3. ^ "Justin Worley, 2011 Pro Style Quarterback". Rivals.com. Archived from the original on October 12, 2022. Retrieved October 12, 2022.
  4. ^ "Justin Worley 2010 – 2011 GATORADE NATIONAL FOOTBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR". Gatorade. Archived from the original on October 6, 2018. Retrieved October 6, 2018.
  5. ^ Brown, Patrick (August 22, 2012). "UT backup Justin Worley is ready if needed". Chattanooga Times Free Press. Archived from the original on August 12, 2020. Retrieved August 17, 2018.
  6. ^ Brown, Patrick (November 7, 2011). "Justin Worley gives Tennessee Vols a lift". Chattanooga Times Free Press. Archived from the original on August 18, 2018. Retrieved August 17, 2018.
  7. ^ "Tennessee at Alabama Box Score, October 22, 2011". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 22, 2017. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
  8. ^ "South Carolina at Tennessee Box Score, October 29, 2011". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 22, 2017. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
  9. ^ Brown, Patrick (November 6, 2011). "Loss streak ends as Tennessee Vols defeat MTSU". Chattanooga Times Free Press. Archived from the original on August 12, 2020. Retrieved August 17, 2018.
  10. ^ "Middle Tennessee State at Tennessee Box Score, November 5, 2011". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on June 25, 2017. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
  11. ^ "Tennessee at Arkansas Box Score, November 12, 2011". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on June 25, 2017. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
  12. ^ "Tyler Bray Career Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on June 17, 2017. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
  13. ^ "Georgia State at Tennessee Box Score, September 8, 2012". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 22, 2017. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
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  16. ^ "Vols Fall at Vanderbilt 41–18". Tennessee Volunteers Athletics. November 17, 2012. Archived from the original on August 17, 2018. Retrieved August 17, 2018.
  17. ^ Ellis, Zac (August 26, 2013). "Tennessee taps quarterback Justin Worley to start entering Week 1". SI.com. Archived from the original on August 17, 2018. Retrieved August 17, 2018.
  18. ^ "Austin Peay at Tennessee Box Score, August 31, 2013". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 22, 2017. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
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  20. ^ "Western Kentucky at Tennessee Box Score, September 7, 2013". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 22, 2017. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
  21. ^ "Tennessee vs. Western Kentucky Postgame Notes". Tennessee Volunteers Athletics. September 7, 2013. Archived from the original on August 17, 2018. Retrieved August 17, 2018.
  22. ^ "Tennessee at Oregon Box Score, September 14, 2013". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 8, 2017. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
  23. ^ "Vols Fall At No. 2 Oregon 59–14". Tennessee Volunteers Athletics. September 14, 2013. Archived from the original on August 17, 2018. Retrieved August 17, 2018.
  24. ^ "Volunteers Bench Quarterback Justin Worley Before Big Game". CBS. September 21, 2013. Archived from the original on August 17, 2018. Retrieved August 17, 2018.
  25. ^ "Tennessee at Florida Box Score, September 21, 2013". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 22, 2017. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
  26. ^ "Georgia rallies past Tennessee 34–31 in OT". Chattanooga Times Free Press. Associated Press. October 5, 2013. Archived from the original on August 17, 2018. Retrieved August 17, 2018.
  27. ^ "Georgia at Tennessee Box Score, October 5, 2013". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 22, 2017. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
  28. ^ Megargee, Steve (October 19, 2013). "Vols top No. 11 South Carolina 23–21 on final play". San Diego Union Tribune. Archived from the original on August 17, 2018. Retrieved August 17, 2018.
  29. ^ "South Carolina at Tennessee Box Score, October 19, 2013". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on June 30, 2017. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
  30. ^ "Tennessee at Alabama Box Score, October 26, 2013". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on August 17, 2018. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
  31. ^ Lewis, Daniel (October 29, 2013). "Freshman quarterback Joshua Dobbs to start for Tennessee at No. 10 Missouri". Nooga.com. Archived from the original on November 3, 2013. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
  32. ^ Ragan, Zach (October 5, 2013). "Projecting The Vols' Starting Offensive Line". All For Tennessee. Archived from the original on August 2, 2017. Retrieved July 25, 2017.
  33. ^ "Utah State at Tennessee Box Score, August 31, 2014". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on August 2, 2017. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
  34. ^ "Arkansas State at Tennessee Box Score, September 6, 2014". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on August 2, 2017. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
  35. ^ "Tennessee at Oklahoma Box Score, September 13, 2014". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on August 2, 2017. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
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  39. ^ "Tennessee at Mississippi Box Score, October 18, 2014". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 22, 2017. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
  40. ^ McGuire, Kevin (November 4, 2014). "Shoulder surgery to end season for Vols QB Justin Worley". NBC Sports. NBC. Archived from the original on November 13, 2014. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
  41. ^ "Justin Worley Bio". UTSports. CBS. Archived from the original on November 13, 2014. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
  42. ^ Dickerson, Jeff (November 24, 2015). "Bears sign former Tennessee quarterback Justin Worley". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on October 12, 2022. Retrieved November 28, 2016.
  43. ^ "Bears Place TE Martellus Bennett On Season-Ending IR With Rib Injury". www.cbsnews.com. December 8, 2015. Archived from the original on October 12, 2022. Retrieved October 12, 2022.
  44. ^ Becknell, Jennifer (April 8, 2016). "Football standout Justin Worley a 'role model' in new job at Rock Hill YMCA". The Herald. Archived from the original on October 3, 2017. Retrieved July 25, 2017.

External links edit