There are plenty of Tennessee Football players that will determine just how successful quarterback Nico Iamaleava will be this season. However, two Vols top the list.
Let’s start with receiver Mike Matthews. The Vols lost plenty of receiving oomph from last year’s team. Matthews was a highly touted prospect in 2024 but was a non-factor last season, catching just seven passes for 90 yards and two touchdowns. That’s not what was expected even amongst a crowded receiver room. Now, Matthews had better be prepared to be the Vols’ No. 1 receiver, especially after entering the transfer portal, likely for more NIL money.
“He flashed last year,” Tennessee offensive coordinator Joey Halzle said of arguably his most talented receiver. “He needs to go from a guy that’s flashing to a guy that we can consistently…target. It doesn’t matter who they have on him, he has the skill set and the ability to go win.
“For him, it’s been about working to be really technical. He’s getting his strength and weight up. He’s working at a really high level, which is allowing him to play at a really high level right now.”
Iamaleava knew how important a connection with Matthews would be this fall. That’s why the two went to California together to work out in Iamaleava’s hometown.
“I think it definitely strengthened our bond,” Iamaleava said. “Him coming over to my house in California and seeing what it’s like in California strengthened our bond. Mike has a lot of potential, and I can’t wait to see him go out there and execute.”
Where has Matthews improved the most?
“His ball skills,” Iamaleava said. “He has great ball skills and just him being out there more. Last year in spring ball, he was still coming back from a hamstring injury so I didn’t get as many reps as I wanted (with him). This year, Mike has taken that big step and has really shown up as a pro every day, ready to work.”
Matthews is important for the Vols’ once high-flying passing attack that sputtered last season. However, every play starts at center where the Vols have to replace former Vol Cooper Mays, who just happened to be named All-SEC last year. His replacement? Tennessee seems set on redshirt freshman William Satterwhite.
“The big thing for him was just the size and strength of going from a freshman offensive lineman to now you’re in your second year in a program and going and holding up for 17 weeks on an SEC schedule,” Halzle said. “…He was a guy from the time he got here who knew the calls, knew where he was supposed to go and could make the adjustments. It didn’t seem like he was a true freshman out there mentally. Now, his physicality is matching up to that”
When asked if he would have to handle more of the line calls with Satterwhite as opposed to having Mays last season, Iamaleava flatly shot down that notion.
“Satt knows his stuff and I’m not going to take anything away from Satt,” Iamaleava said. “…Satt is taking on that role and I can’t wait to see him play. I think he’s been a great piece for us, even last year, just coming in as a freshman and taking a lot of reps in practice. I’ve always had a good rapport with Satt.”
That had better be the case for Matthews and Satterwhite, or it could be a long season for Iamaleava.
