Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava’s size was an issue last season. As a freshman, the first-year college quarterback was just too skinny when he showed up on campus. Iamaleava is bigger now, but it sounds like keeping on weight could be an issue for the redshirt freshman this fall.
“I’m around that range,” Iamaleava said when asked about being listed at 215 pounds, which was up from 200 pounds when he arrived on campus in December 2022. “213, 214. Still trying to be more consistent. You know, getting up to 220, but yeah, that’s where I’m at right now. Has it been a hard process to put on and maintain? Yeah, I’d say for me, definitely, I burn a lot of calories easily.
“When I first got here, I was pretty light in my (high school) senior year. So being able to put on as much weight as I can this off-season, I’ve gotten great help with our nutrition staff, our strength program.”
That help has meant big breakfasts, which consist of French toast, eggs and sausage.
“That’s pretty much what I’ve been sticking with,” Iamaleava said.
Iamaleava’s size will be something well worth watching this fall. Some players that have issues gaining mass have trouble keeping off-season gains on during the season. With an expected increase on Iamaleava to run the ball, a sturdy frame will be a necessity throughout this season.
In addition to Tennessee’s strength and conditioning staff, Iamaleava said he has brought trainers with him from his home in California to deal with trivial pursuits, such as eating a hearty breakfast.
“Yeah, I got a great support system around me over here,” Iamaleava said.
If Iamaleava is going to be a bit on the light side, even in his second season, there had better be precautionary alarms firing off in his head. The last thing the Vols need is for Iamaleava to fall to injury just as he’s ready to make his grand debut as a full-time starter.
“I’m always trying to protect myself,” Iamaleava said. “I’m not a guy that wants to run…so really running when I have to. And protecting myself is something we emphasized this past year.”
That, however, is more challenging than it sounds. It’s part of Iamaleava’s job to extend passing plays to give the Vols’ passing offense a better shot downfield – as long as it’s not Iamaleava taking a shot in the backfield.
“I think when you’re getting ready for a game, it’s hard to emulate what it’s gonna be like in the game,” Iamaleava said. “I think instincts come into play, a lot of playmaking. Just a clock in your brain goes off on when you need to make those type of plays.”
The clock in his brain seems to be functioning. Now, it’s time to check that scale in his bathroom.
