Watch: Tennessee Vols legend meets 2023 5-star QB
The Tennessee Vols' top recruiting target in 2023 is undoubtedly five-star quarterback Nico Iamaleava. (And before anyone asks, no the Volunteers aren't in the mix for Peyton Manning's nephew, Arch.) Iamaleava, 6-foot-5/195 lbs from Downey, CA, is rated in 247Sports' composite rankings as the No. 4 quarterback in the country and the No. 7 overall […]
The Tennessee Vols' top recruiting target in 2023 is undoubtedly five-star quarterback Nico Iamaleava.
(And before anyone asks, no the Volunteers aren't in the mix for Peyton Manning's nephew, Arch.)
Iamaleava, 6-foot-5/195 lbs from Downey, CA, is rated in 247Sports' composite rankings as the No. 4 quarterback in the country and the No. 7 overall player in the 2023 recruiting class.
As you can imagine, most of the top programs in the country are after Iamaleava.
Tennessee, however, actually stands a good chance of landing the talented quarterback, thanks in part to Arch Manning.
Alabama and Georgia, specifically, have Arch at the top of their recruiting board. Iamleava is expected to commit before Arch. That means it's unlikely he lands with the Crimson Tide or the Bulldogs (they're not going to take a quarterback commit before Arch commits).
Still, the Vols will have their work cut out for them in this recruiting battle (Oregon is also heavily in the mix).
The Vols, though, may have received a much-needed bit "boost" in Iamaleava's recruitment this past weekend.
Iamaleava was taking part in the Rivals Los Angeles Camp when he mixed it up with legendary UT running back Jamal Lewis.
Lewis played at Tennessee from 1997-1999. He was the No. 5 overall pick in the 2000 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens. Lewis went on to win a Super Bowl and was named the NFL offensive player of the year in 2003 after rushing for 2,066 yards.
I'm sure Lewis, who shows up at Tennessee games from time to time, had some positive things to say about the Vols to Iamaleava.
Will it be enough to convince Iamaleava to sign with UT?
Probably not. There's a lot more that will go into that decision than a handshake with Lewis. But every little interaction like that helps the Vols' case.
By the way, Iamaleava was named the MVP of the Rivals Los Angeles Camp this weekend.
Featured image via Rivals.com
