With Joe Milton in charge in 2023, Tennessee clearly regressed, but will they be able to adopt more of that 2022 appearance this season? Nico Iamaleava, the quarterback who started the season after sitting out much of his first year, is responsible for all of it.
The former five-star, number one overall pick, trailed behind Milton during his redshirt season but had an opportunity to shine against Iowa in the Citrus Bowl. The early returns were particularly impressive as they destroyed one of the nation’s top defenses in Iowa.
After fans and commentators throughout the nation took note, the hype machine began to pick up steam. Iamaleava was selected by ESPN as the leading breakthrough prospect for the 2024 college football year. What they said was as follows.
1. Nico Iamaleava, Tennessee quarterback: This is not surprising. Following a four-touchdown, MVP-winning performance in the Citrus Bowl the previous season, one of the most highly anticipated and praised athletes in the high school class of last year is expected to earn his chance as Tennessee’s starting quarterback this season. Despite Iamaleava’s youth, inexperience, and diminutive build, there’s a reason for the excitement around him. — ESPN’s Paolo Uggetti
Iamaleava will have an established offensive scheme and a talented group of teammates. Josh Heupel has demonstrated his ability to generate offense in a variety of ways, including short pop-screen plays, downfield attacks, and strong rushing looks.
With an offensive line that returns veterans like Cooper Mays, Javontez Spraggins, and John Campbell, along with receivers like Bru McCoy, Squirrel White, Dont’e Thornton, Chris Brazzell, Mike Matthews, and a running back like Dylan Sampson, Nico won’t be short on options.
Nevertheless, Iamaleava still has a lot to prove to be considered a pass at this level. Although he lacks experience, he has played spring ball, bowl prep, and still has the remainder of the offseason to learn everything. How does that appear throughout the autumn season? Tennesse will be alright, if the victory over Iowa is any indication.
Leave a Reply