Tennessee Vols breaking out an old trick to try to land 2023 5-star QB Nico Iamaleava
The Tennessee Vols are breaking out an old trick to try to land 2023 five-star quarterback Nico Iamaleava. Iamaleava, 6-foot-5/195 lbs from Downing, CA, is one of the most coveted recruits in the nation. The California native is ranked in 247Sports' composite rankings as the No. 4 quarterback in the country and the No. 7 […]
The Tennessee Vols are breaking out an old trick to try to land 2023 five-star quarterback Nico Iamaleava.
Iamaleava, 6-foot-5/195 lbs from Downing, CA, is one of the most coveted recruits in the nation. The California native is ranked in 247Sports' composite rankings as the No. 4 quarterback in the country and the No. 7 overall player in the 2023 recruiting class.
All of the top teams in the country are essentially trying to land Iamaleava, including Alabama and Georgia.
The Vols, however, have a legitimate shot at landing Iamaleava. And that's mostly because Tennessee has made the talented quarterback feel wanted, which is something he's said is important to him during the recruiting process.
Tennessee is also trying to lure Iamaleava to Rocky Top by recruiting his high school teammate, 2024 wide receiver Jordan Anderson.
Anderson, 6-foot/160 lbs, hasn't been rated yet by the major recruiting services. But that hasn't stopped the Vols from pursuing him, presumably because of his connection to Iamaleava.
According to Rivals.com, Iamaleava and Anderson, who are close friends, have discussed playing together in college.
This is a smart move by the Vols. Iamaleava is the type of player that can change the trajectory of a program. They need to do whatever it takes to land him. And recruiting one of his close friends is a good start.
As for the latest in Iamaleava's recruitment, Rivals.com reported this week that the latest rumors suggest that the five-star quarterback is most focused on SEC programs (though they still think Miami and Oregon are in the mix as well).
If Iamaleava ultimately decides to head to the SEC, then it bodes well for the Vols. At this point, I think Oregon is the biggest threat to Tennessee for Iamaleava, thanks to Alabama and Georgia's interest in 2023 five-star quarterback Arch Manning.
Iamaleava is expected to commit in May, so this recruiting battle should be over in less than three months.
Featured image via Alan Poizner / USA TODAY NETWORK
