Josh Heupel points out the trait he likes the most about 5-star QB Nico Iamaleava
Tennessee Vols head coach recently spoke about 5-star phenom Nico Iamaleava, the top-rated player in UT’s 2023 recruiting class
Joe Milton will almost certainly be the Tennessee Vols' starting quarterback on September 2 in Nashville when UT kicks off the 2023 season against Virginia.
And while there's plenty of intrigue surrounding Milton (is this the season he finally becomes a superstar?), it's true freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava that will likely generate the most headlines during spring practice.
Iamaleava, a California native, was the top-rated player in the 2023 recruiting class.
The five-star phenom has yet to take a snap in a game for the Vols and he hasn't even been through a true practice yet (he was with the game for bowl game practices, but spring practice will be a much different experience for Nico), but he's already "as advertised" in the way that he carries himself and handles business.
Vols head coach Josh Heupel joined 247Sports' Emily Proud this week to discuss a variety of topics.
Heupel, unsurprisingly, was asked how he feels about Nico so far.
While answering the question from Proud, Heupel pointed out the trait he likes the most about Iamaleava. And it has nothing to do with his physical abilities.
"The player is extremely special," said Heupel when asked about Nico. "You can watch the tape for two or three or four plays and see some really special gifts. And the further you dive into it, the more you see and recognize [it]."
"What I've loved about him is from the moment he's gotten here, he's been a great teammate," added Heupel. "He cares about the people around him. He's selfless. He's humble. He works extremely hard, too. And the players around him see that. In the short time that we've had him for bowl prep all the way up until where we are right now getting ready to kick off our spring ball, he's made great strides in understanding. He's got a great feel for his body."
"But he does have an impact on the people around him. And great players at the quarterback position have the ability to attract people inside the locker room — to have people follow him. And to raise the level of expectations that surround not just the individual player, but the players that he comes in contact with. And Nico has certainly done that in a good way."
It's clear that Heupel is excited about Iamaleava. But what's interesting is that it's the off-field stuff that seemingly has Heupel the most excited.
When it comes to recruiting quarterbacks, Heupel places a huge importance on competitiveness, leadership, and the ability to connect with teammates. Nico has all of those traits. And he just so happens to be an elite quarterback on the field, too.
Nico obviously still has a lot of development to do. But so far, he's everything that Heupel and Tennessee fans could've hoped for. And he's only going to get better from here.
