Tennessee Vols commit receives impressive honor over the weekend
2023 five-star quarterback Nico Iamaleava, a Tennessee Vols commit, received an impressive honor over the weekend. Iamaleava was named On3.com's MVP of the Overtime’s OT7 7-on-7 league that wrapped up on Sunday in Las Vegas. From On3: Nico Iamaleava looked like the clear top quarterback – and perhaps overall prospect – over the course of […]
2023 five-star quarterback Nico Iamaleava, a Tennessee Vols commit, received an impressive honor over the weekend.
Iamaleava was named On3.com's MVP of the Overtime’s OT7 7-on-7 league that wrapped up on Sunday in Las Vegas.
Nico Iamaleava looked like the clear top quarterback – and perhaps overall prospect – over the course of the weekend at OT7. The Tennessee commit missed the action on Thursday, but was a standout performer over the tournament’s final three days. Iamaleava looked like a natural in the 7-on-7 setting. His physical gifts are well-documented, but were still palpable when placed on the same field with other blue-chip prospects.
On3's Charles Power was impressed this weekend by Iamaleava's strong arm and ability to fit the ball into tight windows.
But that's not what impressed Power the most about Iamaleava. Power loved the way Iamaleava interacted with teammates and "elevated" them.
"Seeing Nico Iamaleava play in this setting also shined a light on his demeanor and leadership skills," wrote Power. "He elevated his teammates more than any other quarterback on hand and played with a mature, but loose vibe."
I know Iamaleava is receiving a ridiculous amount of hype this spring. And it's tough for any player to live up to that kind of hype. But it certainly sounds like Iamaleava is the real deal.
The physical attributes are important, but what truly makes Iamaleava a potentially great SEC quarterback is his demeanor. We've seen plenty of great high school quarterbacks fail at the collegiate level simply because they weren't great leaders. Iamaleava shouldn't have that problem, as he continues to show everyone that he's a quarterback that other players are eager to rally around.
Featured image via Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
