Tennessee’s offense may be quarterback friendly, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy.
Don’t expect UT coach Josh Heupel to take it easy on redshirt freshman Nico Iamaleava during the offseason – or any other time the four-year Vols’ coach might have the opportunity. Just on campus for little more than a year, the California kid has the Vols’ offense in his back pocket. That’s mandatory.
“Our coaches give the whole Q.B. room the keys to go out there and succeed,” Iamaleava said following the Orange and White Game on Saturday. “Checking when it needs to be checked. I think the whole Q.B. room has the ability to go out there and do that. I think it’s just more of being prepared and knowing your job well at a high level.”
This has been a big spring practice for Iamaleava since he’s considered the unquestioned starter as spring camp concludes.
“Very pleased with the steps that we’ve been taking, man, you know, a lot of young guys on the o-line taking more reps,” Iamaleava said. “I think they’ve done a great job on carrying that load. Carrying it, carrying that burden on them. And yeah, I think, the o-line has done a great job on getting better every day.”
That hasn’t been easy with injuries to overcome. However, the absence of some key players has allowed the Vols to get more experience for some younger – or less experienced – players on the roster.
Iamaleava, who could be described as soft spoken, has tried to up his vocal game this spring, as has been encouraged by Tennessee’s coaches.
“I’ve been working on just being more vocal with the guys, being loud with anyone when I need to be, adjusting the offense…I think I’ve been taking good steps and being more vocal with the guys…I think I’m more of a quiet guy,” Iamaleava said. “So, you know, it’s definitely different for me to…go out there and celebrate with everybody. “It’s something I’m continuing to work on.”
If that’s Iamaleava’s biggest problem, being a leader on a team of leaders, the Vols should be just fine this fall.
