Nico Iamaleava, five-star quarterback who committed to Tennessee’s 2023 class, is drawing comparisons to Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Bryce Young.
Iamaleava’s quarterback coach Kevin Pearson has coached the likes of Young and Matt Corral, among other top quarterbacks. Pearson believes Iamaleava, who is from Warren High School in Downey, Calif., will be one of the top quarterbacks in college football very soon.
“Nico is going to be the top quarterback in two or three years when they’re all in college,” Pearson told Rivals. “He’ll be the top guy because of all those intangibles.”
Pearson went on to describe what separates Iamaleava and Young from other quarterbacks.
“The first thing that jumps out is his arm strength,” Pearson said. “He has a plus, plus arm and he has a quick release, too. It’s a lot like Bryce Young, where the ball just jumps off his hand. The other thing he does is at 6-foot-6, he plays like he’s a 6-foot little scrambling type of guy.”
Not only is Imaleava someone with undeniable physical skill and talent, his football IQ sets him apart. In the style of offense that head coach Josh Heupel and Tennessee runs, making quick reads is essential to success.
“He has an exceptionally high IQ,” Pearson said. “He’s always finding guys and understands defensive concepts and what they’re trying to do. He has free rein right now to check out of things, which he does. He’s tremendously tough. Things don’t bother him.
Iamaleava is the crown jewel of Tennessee’s 2023 class and has become a household name for Volunteer fans. Despite his popularity, NIL deals, and growing list of accolades, Pearson says he is someone who will gel in the locker room.
“Nico will win them over because his personality is infectious,” Pearson told Rivals. “He’s always pumping guys up. He doesn’t big-time anybody. He might wear the glasses and the pajama bottoms, but once you know him he’s one of the most accommodating, gracious, respectful kids I’ve ever met.”
Warren echoed that point.
