DALLAS, Texas – Tennessee didn’t have to bring quarterback Nico Iamaleava to SEC Media Days to have him be the topic of conversation. In fact, that was one of the first things asked of coach Josh Heupel on Tuesday. So, what’s it like being the five-star quarterback that everything seems to be hinging on? 

“You feel the pressure, the ownership of having to know that you’re going to be the guy,” Heupel said in Dallas on Tuesday. “I thought throughout the course of last season, it continued to grow in his consistency and how we prepared. He’s been urgent in everything that he’s done since he got back after the bowl game. 

“He’s had a great summer, continuing to build timing and rhythm when our wide receivers get on the same page before we get into training camp, obviously excited to see him grow throughout the course of training camp.”

Iamaleava will be asked to grow and mature amidst a mostly veteran team. Being a leader as a redshirt freshman can’t be easy.

“Our roster is unique,” Heupel said. “You look at our line of scrimmage. We have a lot of experience on both sides of the football. We have some youth from the time that we got back in January, I’ve challenged our entire team, but our veterans in particular, um, you know, as we go into this year, we don’t have time for any of our young guys to be young.”

That certainly applies to Iamaleava, who is living up to the hype, per Heupel.

“He’s phenomenal in communication in one-on-one situations, small groups,” the fourth-year Tennessee coach said. “He’s taking more and more ownership within our entire offense and within our football team, but the first thing you got to do is master your position. He’s continued to grow in that and his understanding of what we do, defensive structures, being able to control the game. For him, the most important thing is to be himself. Be consistent in his work habits and his preparation every day.” 

Even the Vols’ most decorated leaders seem to respect Iamaleava in an almost odd way. Underclassman or not, the California kid doesn’t need much coddling.

“I’m sure I could help him,” Tennessee center Cooper Mays said. “I don’t really know if he’ll need any. I mean, he’s a really intelligent kid. Really, really got his head on straight, in my opinion. So, I don’t know if he’ll need much help. He’s been raised right. And and he knows how to handle himself.”

In most cases, a young quarterback would be cause for concern. While that may not exactly be the case with Iamaleava, Heupel would certainly like to accelerate the learning process as quickly as possible.

“It’s all part of the evolution of it,” Heupel said, seemingly not worried at all about his young quarterback this season. “He’s been phenomenal inside of our room, inside of our building, in his habits, his growth as a player, but also as communication and leading his teammates. So I’m excited about where he’s at and where we see him going.

Heupel knows that having a young quarterback won’t change expectations that he faces every single season. The Vols expect to win championships.

“Everyone inside of our building understands the expectations, standards and goals that we have,” Heupel said. “The expectations are never going to be greater outside of the building than they are inside of it. But to go accomplish those things, it’s a minute-by-minute, step-by-step process that you gotta unfold and embark upon. 

“This group has been really consistent in what they’ve done.”

Even the guy who was noticeably absent from Dallas on Tuesday. 

Coverage of SEC Media Days live form Dallas, Texas is brought to you by WorkTrux and Volunteer Automotive Group.