Nico Iamaleava's high school coach details a trait the 5-star QB has that's going unnoticed
By now, most Tennessee Vols fans are aware of the traits that make five-star quarterback Nico Iamaleava a special prospect. Iamaleava, who enrolled at Tennessee last month, has been consistently praised for his big arm, accuracy, ability to run, leadership qualities, and being an elite teammate. But those aren't the only traits that make Iamaleava […]
By now, most Tennessee Vols fans are aware of the traits that make five-star quarterback Nico Iamaleava a special prospect.
Iamaleava, who enrolled at Tennessee last month, has been consistently praised for his big arm, accuracy, ability to run, leadership qualities, and being an elite teammate.
But those aren't the only traits that make Iamaleava a potential star in the SEC.
The California native is also incredibly tough.
Iamaleava's high school coach Kevin Pearson recently detailed that toughness to KnoxTNToday.com.
“He’ll take on the hitters and hit back," said Pearson.
“He’s one of the toughest kids I’ve ever coached, and in a position where you don’t get a lot of tough kids,” added Pearson. “He’s just different. His mentality is different.”
Pearson also told a story about the time Iamaleava suffered a compound fracture in one of his fingers and lobbied to keep playing. Iamaleava eventually went to the hospital where the doctors told him that he would miss four to six weeks.
Iamaleava ended up missing just one game.
According to Nico, it is grit that exists in his DNA, passed down from generation to generation. He has heard that the Samoan bloodline carries strength.
His father told him: “We’re warriors. That’s where the toughness is from.”
It really does sound like Iamaleave is the complete package. I'm not sure what other trait could make him a better prospect — he's everything a coach could want in a quarterback.
And he's a perfect fit for the culture at Tennessee. Vols head coach Josh Heupel noted recently that Iamaleava has already meshed with the current team which is a sign that the five-star phenom, despite all the hype he's received, has zero ego. He just wants to play football and win games.
Featured image via Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK