Tennessee’s receivers had a much more simple job last season. Unlike last year, the Vols have to keep working longer because quarterback Nico Iamaleava has proven adept at extending plays with his legs and downfield vision.
In other words, no one should quit on a play as long as Iamaleava is still moving.
“We talk about Nico’s ability outside of the pocket,” Tennessee receiver coach Kelsey Pope said. “I think it’s forced those guys to really focus when plays break down, that they’ve got to go be available and be targets for him. That’s really the biggest piece.”
That, however, isn’t the only facet of Iamaleava’s game that has changed the Vols’ offense for the better.
“The other thing is when you have a quarterback and you have a talent like that, he just allows you to go and use your talents, so really he makes it a lot easier on us than it would be without him,” Pope said. “For the most part, the biggest thing is with him being dynamic outside the pocket, we have to make sure we’re being able to become targets for him whenever he’s outside the pocket.”
Tennessee’s 276 passing yards per game is eighth in the SEC, which isn’t outstanding. However, the Vols have been efficient, ranking fourth in passing efficiency with a 172 rating.
UT’s receivers are certainly expected to catch passes. However, they’re also expected to do more than that. There’s blocking, running crisp routes that can put a defensive back in a bind and simply being consistent.
“I think, at times. it’s been awesome but sometimes it’s been inconsistent,” Pope said when asked about Tennessee’s receivers when they don’t have the ball. “I think even that part of our game, the best has yet to come. Our best is still out there.”
To no one’s surprise, senior Bru McCoy is doing all the right things. He is one of Tennessee’s best blocking receivers and, apparently, one of the Vols’ best set-up men.
“Bru, last game, had a tough look on corners and he was able to fit a guy up without the ball and we created explosives,” Pope said, referring to McCoy helping other receivers get open with his precise route running. “There are others where we don’t have that same focus and that same intention. It’s the whole group. It’s not just one guy.
“For me as a coach, I have to continue to push these guys in practice to be consistent with that. I think we will continue to see it in games. At times it’s been really good. Other times it’s just been okay. That’s an area we are going to continue to push.”
Pope could express more positive sentiments about his standout group of receivers, but how would that help them improve? Pope has a crew that are playing well and fighting for playing time. Why not crack the whip when he takes the mic?
“I think we have had some success at points,” Pope said. “I think our best is still out there. I really do. I think there’s a responsibility piece to that, that we continue to prepare and we’ll continue to see these guys grow and progress.
“I think we’ve had some success, but is it our max potential? I don’t think we’re anywhere close to that.”
Especially with Iamaleava getting better each and every week.
