I’ve certainly taken some heat for my latest thoughts on Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava. That’s okay. I can take it. However, it’s the Vols’ redshirt freshman that you should be more concerned about.
While Iamaleava hasn’t lived up to my expectations, which were perhaps overly lofty, it’s certainly not all his fault. In fact, one could argue that he’s been a victim of poor circumstances more than his own shortcomings.
The Vols haven’t played well in support of Iamaleava. There’s no denying that. Here are four ways Tennessee’s offense can still make Iamaleava a star this season.
Fix the offensive tackles
This one seems pretty obvious. We all gave Tennessee’s offensive tackles the benefit of the doubt when the Vols beat Oklahoma. After all, starters Lance Heard and John Campbell Jr. were both out for all, or most of the game, due to injuries that have since limited their mobility, most noticeably in the Vols’ loss to Arkansas and Tennessee’s win over Florida.
The Vols’ offensive tackles have to play better, but there are fundamental issues that could prove to be impossible to fix during the season, such as bad footwork and poor hand placement. Either they just have to play better or they need help from a tight end or running back in pass protection. Tennessee can’t beat Vanderbilt – literally – if the Vols’ offensive tackles perform as poorly as they have recently. They need help.
Slow tempo
The Vols have succeeded with their 12-personnel, which consists of two tight ends, by controlling the ball and running clock. That’s even more important now unless Tennessee suddenly becomes explosive again, which doesn’t seem imminent. Until then, the Vols can limit potential mistakes in the passing game with a more conservative approach even if that means the Vols still keep three receivers on the field instead of going 12-personnel.
It’s also worth noting that Heard was injured for much of the preseason, which surely affected his conditioning. That is surely tested anytime the Vols go uptempo. Campbell has also been injured during the season, meaning he’s probably not ready to go full-go if the Vols truly put the pedal down.
Be consistent at receiver
Despite what Tennessee coach Josh Heupel has said, to most likely help recruiting, he likes to depend on a small group of receivers. That wasn’t in the cards last week against Florida. There’s certainly no one blaming Bru McCoy, Dont’e Thornton or Squirrel White for the injuries suffered this season, but those mid-game challenges are tough to overcome. If the Vols have to go with another receiver in their place, such as Chas Nimrod, he needs to catch the ball. However, the Vols would assuredly be more productive if McCoy, Thornton and White are 100-percent. None of the three were listed on the Vols’ participating report this week.
Run Dylan Run
There is no question that Dylan Sampson has answered all preseason questions about whether or not he could be a featured back. Sampson leads the SEC in rushing attempts by a bunch. He has 118 carries this season compared to Ole Miss tailback Henry Parrish Jr., who has 105 carries this season. No other tailback in the SEC has over 100 carries this season. Sampson is averaging nearly six-yards per carry. As former Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer would say, “Pound the Rock.”
BONUS
Let’s add this in. It’s important to keep taking downfield shots. Iamaleava will start connecting on some of those plays eventually. Denying him the opportunity can only further damage his confidence
