The talk around quarterback Nico Iamaleava is so pervasive that defensive coaches are even being asked about the anointed one.
“I think when we start talking about Nico, he just has such a strong command, from my perspective, of the offense,” Tennessee defensive coordinator Tim Banks said on Friday. “He can throw it with the best of them, but if I’m being honest just his sheer size (is impressive).
“Sometimes I forget how big he is until I get up on him. When he tucks that ball and he starts to run, that’s a problem for anybody, particularly us on defense trying to corral that guy. So I think our offense will pick up where they left off the last couple years and they’ll do exactly what they’ve been doing.”
While Tennessee’s defense has had a chance to watch a potential star during practice on offense, it has showcased an established star on their side of the ball. EDGE rusher James Pearce, Jr., is considered one of the top defensive players in the country and has been projected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
There’s no arguing that Pearce is Tennessee’s best defensive player headed into the season, which begins on Aug. 31 when the Vols host Chattanooga. However, he’s not alone. Banks opened preseason practice suggesting that the Vols can have the best defensive line in the country this season.
“Just the sheer depth,” Banks said when asked about his earlier claim. “Hopefully, if those guys continue to do what they’ve been doing. We’ll continue to roll them (in the game) and roll them and there’s no drop off. So they’re exactly where I thought they would be.
“I love our depth. I think our interior guys are very athletic, but they still have good size to be able to push the pocket. So I think as long as we can keep everybody healthy and continue to roll those guys in, I stand on, we will be really good up front.”
That should only help the Vols in the defensive backfield where Banks said he can be more creative in the coverages he designs thanks to a strong pass rush.
“I think so,” he said. “…I think we’ll be able to do a lot of different things back there. But, again, it’ll be based on who we’re playing, what their expectations are in terms of scheme. We’ll try to take advantage of it.”
If everyone is correct about Iamaleava, the Vols should be able to take advantage of some hefty leads this season. Banks is certainly aware of that.
