Josh Heupel reveals how long Nico Iamaleava has been preparing as Tennessee's starter
Tennessee Vols fans learned, officially, on Wednesday morning that true freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava will start against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Citrus Bowl on New Year's Day. It will be Iamaleava's first career start at the collegiate level. Joe Milton's announcement that he's opting out of the Citrus Bowl paved the way for Nico's […]
Tennessee Vols fans learned, officially, on Wednesday morning that true freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava will start against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Citrus Bowl on New Year's Day.
It will be Iamaleava's first career start at the collegiate level.
Joe Milton's announcement that he's opting out of the Citrus Bowl paved the way for Nico's first career start.
While fans first learned of Iamaleava's start on Wednesday morning, he's actually been preparing as the Vols' starter since before the early signing period started last week.
Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel revealed on Wednesday, while speaking with reporters in Orlando, that Nico has received the majority of the reps at quarterback for over a week now.
"As we got into to game week, and when I say game week, the preparation post signing day or really right before it as we got into game planning mode, Nico’s gotten a majority of the reps," explained Heupel.
The third-year Vols head coach admitted that he went into December expecting Milton to play in the bowl game.
“We did early. We knew that there was a process that he was going go through," said Heupel when asked if he originally anticipated Milton playing in the Citrus Bowl.
“Everybody’s got a different process, different factors are a part of the decision process," added Heupel while discussing Milton's decision. "At the end of the day, we support him and what he wants to do, where he wants to go. He’s got a great football future in front of him. Excited to see that unfold on the back end of this game.”
Tennessee and Iowa kick off at 1:00 PM ET on New Year's Day.
Josh Heupel sets expectations for Nico Iamaleava’s first career Tennessee start
Nico will start for the Vols in the Citrus Bowl
