With nearly forty college football offers, star quarterback George MacIntyre has made a strong impact on the recruiting scene, helping put Brentwood on the map. The eighteen-year-old Brentwood Academy alumnus committed to The University of Tennessee, Knoxville in January of his junior year and has since embarked on his new journey to playing college football. Sitting down with Brentwood City Lifestyle, MacIntyre details his career thus far.
Tell us about the early days of your football career.
I started playing football when I was young, but basketball was actually my first love. I played that year-round, then played football in the fall. I started playing flag in first grade and tackle in fourth. My dad was my coach, and I actually started off as a receiver. Once I got to tackle football in fourth grade, I started playing quarterback. During my sophomore year at Brentwood Academy, I really fell in love with football and the intensity of the game. My grandfather was the head coach for Vanderbilt University back in the 1980’s — and my dad and uncle both spent time coaching — so the game has always been in my blood.
What is your favorite part of being a quarterback?
Every play, there is pressure on you to do something — whether you’re leading the team or leading the offense — and there’s a lot of power to get out there and perform.
How has the community at Brentwood Academy helped you prepare for this next chapter as you enter into SEC college football?
Growing up in Brentwood, I always knew I would attend high school at Brentwood Academy — it was my dream as a kid to play football and basketball there. Being able to play quarterback for three years has been a dream come true in itself. Brentwood Academy has such a well-respected program with college coaches coming through constantly, and I was able to play a couple of different offenses to get ready for the college level.
When you look back at your high school career, is there a specific moment that will always stick out to you?
One of my favorite plays was against Ensworth in my sophomore year. I threw an 8-yard game-winning pass to the end zone to my tight end, Griffin Cropp, and that’s a moment I’ll remember forever.
Congratulations on committing to The University of Tennessee! What made you decide to be a Vol?
It all starts with Coach Huepel — he has an awesome quarterback support system. I grew up a Tennessee fan, so having the opportunity to play football — and play quarterback — is another dream come true. My mom’s whole side of the family went there, so I’ve always been a fan. It’s very familiar. Since I’ve been here, it’s been everything I was promised. It's proven to be a true family. Coach Huepel has created an exceptional culture here, and I’m excited to add on to it and be a part of it!
Recall the moment you found out Tennessee offered you the position.
It was the day after my first varsity star — a Saturday after week one of my sophomore year season. It was Coach Huepel himself who called, and he offered it to me right there. It was a surreal moment because about a month or two earlier, I probably would have told you that I would likely be playing basketball in college, that phone call changed my whole perspective on college and football. Being on varsity that year solidified my love for the game, but that offer proved I could take this thing somewhere.
How have you been impacted by NIL and the changing college sports landscape around sports marketing and endorsement opportunities?
One thing that’s really helped is having a great team around me in Peter Webb, Doug Young, and QB Reps. Having a Nashville-based agency with experience representing high-level pro athletes — and especially quarterbacks — has allowed me to focus on football and being a great teammate at UT. I know they’ve got my back now and into the future.
What is one piece of advice you would give to any aspiring college athletes?
I would say to make sure to get out there and do it yourself, because no one is going to do it for you. You’ve got to put yourself out there, go to the right camps, and be working hard. Trust your gut, trust your system, and put it all on film.
Keep an eye out for MacInyre on the field and on our screens this football season, and follow along his college journey on Instagram.
@gmac4_
"That phone call changed my whole perspective on college and football."