How Nico Iamaleava showed remarkable maturity during first media session at Tennessee
Tennessee Vols true freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava met with reporters on Thursday for the first time as an official member of UT's football team. Iamaleava, who should still be in high school right now, arrived at Tennessee with an insane amount of hype and fanfare. But you'd never know it by listening to his media […]
Tennessee Vols true freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava met with reporters on Thursday for the first time as an official member of UT's football team.
Iamaleava, who should still be in high school right now, arrived at Tennessee with an insane amount of hype and fanfare. But you'd never know it by listening to his media session with reporters.
The California native showed a remarkable level of maturity while fielding questions on Thursday.
The expectation for the Vols in 2023 is that Joe Milton will be the starting quarterback and Iamlaeava will be the primary backup.
On Thursday, Iamaleava was asked about his expectations for his true freshman season.
The former five-star recruit made it clear that he's working hard to improve every day and he's committed to helping Milton in the same way that Milton helped Hendon Hooker in 2022.
“My expectation for freshman year is just to be ready,” said Iamaleava on Thursday. “I’m trying to get prepared as fast as I can and be ready whenever my number’s called, and help Joe out the best way possible I can.”
“I’m always looking to get better and be ready for this year,” added Iamaleava. “It’s my job to go out there and compete and be ready when my number’s called…Anything could happen this season, so really just being like how Joe was to Hendon last year, really, and being prepared whenever my number’s called.”
There's no ego when it comes to Iamlaeava. He's all about doing whatever it takes to help the team win.
Nico is essentially a perfect fit for the culture that Josh Heupel and his staff have built at Tennessee.
Iamaleava will get his turn soon enough. But until then, he's keeping his head down, working hard, and preparing every day like his number is about to be called.
