College football analyst makes bold prediction for when Nico Iamaleava will start at QB for the Tennessee Vols
A college football analyst made a bold prediction this week for when Nico Iamaleava will start at quarterback for the Tennessee Vols. Iamaleava, 6-foot-6/200 lbs from Long Beach, CA, arrived in Knoxville last week to officially join Tennessee's football program. The talented five-star quarterback has been practicing with the team ahead of the Vols' matchup […]
A college football analyst made a bold prediction this week for when Nico Iamaleava will start at quarterback for the Tennessee Vols.
Iamaleava, 6-foot-6/200 lbs from Long Beach, CA, arrived in Knoxville last week to officially join Tennessee's football program.
The talented five-star quarterback has been practicing with the team ahead of the Vols' matchup with Clemson in the Orange Bowl.
Earlier this week, 247Sports' Cooper Petagna and Josh Pate broke down Iamaleava's game and how he fits with Tennessee.
Petagna suggested that Iamaleava, who is rated as the No. 2 overall player in the 2023 recruiting class, could be starting by midseason for the Vols.
"He can do some things at the position that other players can't," said Petagna. "That's what it comes down to."
"He moves differently in the pocket," added Petagna. "I think his pocket savviness is very similar to a guy like Bryce Young. And that's a little bit of Nico Iamaleava's magic. He's very comfortable playing off platform as well. He's a wow type of player, he just needs to be a little bit more consistent. I love the fact that he's early enrolling in Knoxville. I think he's a guy that's a beautiful fit in Josh Heupel's system."
"I would not be surprised if after that bye week (in 2023) if we're talking about Nico Iamaleava being the guy. And I think that's somewhat circumstantial with what you have in that room already in Joe Milton. But if we don't see consistency in Joe Milton as a passer, Nico Iamaleava is too good of a fit, too talented to keep off the field."
Pate seemingly agreed with Petagna's take, saying "it's going to be him" after Petagna tossed out the idea that Iamaleava could be starting by midseason.
This will ultimately depend on how well Milton plays. If he shows improved consistency, then Nico won't have a chance to start. Milton has a ton of upside and he knows the offense. It's his show next season.
However, if Milton struggles, that's when Iamaleava can get into the conversation. But don't forget about Tayven Jackson, who will be a redshirt freshman nseasoneson. Jackson is extremely talented and could also be an option to start if Milton falters.
Featured image via USA TODAY Sports
