Josh Heupel points out important trait that Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava possesses that isn't noticeable on TV
College football fans are well aware of Tennessee Vols quarterback Nico Iamaleava's physical talent. Iamaleava, the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2023 recruiting class, has prototypical quarterback size (height/length), a big arm, great field awareness, and enough speed to be dangerous with the ball in his hands. It's not just the physical talent, though, […]
College football fans are well aware of Tennessee Vols quarterback Nico Iamaleava's physical talent.
Iamaleava, the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2023 recruiting class, has prototypical quarterback size (height/length), a big arm, great field awareness, and enough speed to be dangerous with the ball in his hands.
It's not just the physical talent, though, that makes Iamaleava an elite quarterback.
Vols head coach Josh Heupel pointed out during an interview with Greg McElroy on Always College Football this week that Nico's ability to quickly process information, something that isn't readily evident just from watching the young quarterback on television, is what really takes his game to the next level.
"He (Iamaleava) pushes every single day to have a deeper understanding, he's detailed in the meeting room, he takes great notes, he's continued to grow," explained Heupel. "Just how he approaches being an elite quarterback day in and day out. Really love the growth that we've seen.
"One of the great traits that a lot of guys won't see if you're just watching him on TV is his ability to process information over the middle of the football field. He's got a great understanding of bodies in movement and windows that are opening up. He's a great anticipating thrower. Really proud of what he's done up to this point in this offseason. Obviously, we need him to have great urgency here as we get to the back half of spring ball and really through the summer to put himself in a position to play the way we need him to."
That's a trait that's especially important in Heupel's offense, which features plenty of "choice routes" that require the quarterback and the wide receiver to be on the same page.
Iamaleava's ability to process information quickly and anticipate throwing windows fits perfectly into Tennessee's philosophy of "letting it rip".
Vols offensive coordinator Joey Halzle explained that philosophy in 2021 (before Halzle was promoted from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator).
"We’re going to let you rip it all over the field," said Halzle after he was hired at Tennessee in 2021. "We’re going to put a lot on you and, to me, I would say that is quarterback-friendly because we’re not going to hold your hands. We’re going to teach you, we’re going to mold you into the best that you can be, and then we’re going to turn you loose to go play ball on Saturdays. We don’t make guys play scared. We don’t make them afraid to make mistakes. Go out there, cut it loose."
With Iamaleava under center in 2024, Tennessee fans should see Heupel's offense at its best/most creative.
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