Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava didn’t flinch despite the pressure on him against Oklahoma. His center, Cooper Mays, wasn’t surprised.

“I just think he’s super mature for a young guy,” Mays said of Iamaleava, who was sacked three times by the Sooners and lost two fumbles in the Vols’ 25-15 win over Oklahoma. “No matter what mistakes he makes or what mistakes we make in front of him that end up hurting him, no matter what it is, he always stays cool, calm and collected and shows belief in everybody around him and belief in himself.”

That mental aspect the Iamalaeva has displayed distinguishes him from some other 6-foot-6 quarterbacks with a big arm and eye-popping accuracy – as if there are a ton of those physical specimens walking around.

“Anytime you’ve got a quarterback that has all the other stuff going well for him,” Mays said, referring to Iamaleava’s physical attributes, “it helps a lot because he’s the top of the chart. He’s the natural leader. Everybody’s going to look to the quarterback. So, if he’s confident, then everybody else is going to be confident with him.”

That was the case on Saturday as the Vols beat Oklahoma 25-15 in a tough-and-rumble affair. Tennessee’s defense forced two turnovers right after Iamaleava lost the ball twice on two strip-sacks. That’s proof enough that the Vols need to do a better job of protecting Iamaleava. That protection will most likely depend on the Vols’ situation at offensive tackle.

Tennessee didn’t take offensive tackle Lance Heard on the trip to Norman due to a bad ankle. Heard was supposed to start at left tackle. Instead, senior Dayne Davis was put in that spot to replace the sophomore.

Davis may be one of the most valuable players on Tennessee’s football team. He’s proven adept at backing up several of the Vols’ starters on the offensive line. That’s especially important since right tackle John Campbell, Jr., was injured against the Sooners with what looked like a lower leg injury. Both are expected to be available for Tennessee’s next game, which will be at Arkansas on Oct. 5.

Just how difficult is it to be in Davis’ seemingly ever-changing shoes?

“I would say the challenge is super difficult,” Mays said. “I don’t think people really realize how valuable it is to have somebody like Dayne and then, moreover, how difficult it is to to be in that position.”

Mays has only played center since he settled into that position in 2021 for Tennessee. However, Mays’ brother and former Vol, Cade Mays, played several positions on the offensive line for Tennessee before moving onto the NFL.

“My older brother did kind of the same thing throughout all his years in college,” Cooper said of Cade, who also played at Georgia. “Could kind of play any position. He’s done the same thing in the pros while he’s been there, kind of being able to play every position. 

“There’s definitely a lot of downsides and difficulties that come with doing stuff like that…That’s a really difficult ask. I think he’s (Davis) done a good job though…to be in there and and be serviceable is a big-time thing.”

How difficult is it to flip back and forth from one side of the offensive line to the other?

“In the morning, wake up, go in there and brush your teeth with your opposite hand,” Mays said, simplifying things. “That’ll probably give you a decent look at it. It’s flipping everything in your mind. It’s doing everything backwards.”

Davis wouldn’t have to do as much if the Vols get healthy. Heard was thought to be the answer at the Vols’ vacant left tackle spot when he transferred from LSU. However, his progress has been stymied by injuries in the preseason and, now, during the season. If he and Campbell are ready to play, then the Vols can have some depth at tackle, along with Davis. Other than that, Tennessee will have to turn to Larry Johnson III, who saw his first real playing time as a Vol last week against Oklahoma.

“I think the biggest thing that stands out about Larry is physical tools,” Mays said of the 6-foot-7, 365-pound lineman. “I don’t know how big he looked on the TV, but pretty big dude. Anytime he can get out there and and be athletic and put hands on (a defender), it’s pretty much over.”

What did Mays think of Johnson’s play against the Sooners and his overall development?

“Growing in the run game,” Mays said, “but pass pro was was pretty decent.”

While it wouldn’t be a perfect scenario for the Vols, Johnson could get much better much quicker if he’s forced into the lineup this season.

“Just playing more ball and growing and confidence, understanding the whole scheme of everything,” Mays said of what Johnson needs to do in order to continue improving. “He’s a guy that got into our program two years ago…for him (the key is) to just continue to develop and grasp the game mentally and being able to play fast.”

Sort of like Iamaleava. If all had that poise.