One of the first goals that Nico Iamaleava must have had as he made the transition from backup to starter was developing chemistry with senior center Cooper Mays, whose injury absence likely cost the Vols in a loss against Florida last season. As for 2024, there seems to be no issue in the center-quarterback exchange to hamper the Vols. Iamaleava has made sure of that.
”Me and Coop, we talk every day,” the redshirt freshman said. “I’ve gotten into a lot of protection stuff, so sliding protection where I want to slide it. If Coop doesn’t like that certain slide, he’ll let me know why. And we’ll watch the film together. So I feel like me and Coop have created a good relationship on that part. I’ve got a great relationship with the whole line. I think we got one of the top of lines when we’re healthy, so I feel like we’re gelling.”
Mays isn’t the only offensive lineman set to protect Iamaleava this season. The Vols have an experienced group of starters ready to take on all comers. However, Tennessee’s offensive line doesn’t have near the experienced depth the Vols would like if any linemen goes down at some point this season.
“Definitely,” Iamaleava said when asked if it’s an advantage having an experienced offensive front leading the way. “We’ve got a lot of young guys in the o-line room, but mixed with veterans. I think having the veterans in the room is not only going to help us now, but even for the future, getting the younger guys up to speed with the offense. So it’s been great.”
Iamaleava has to trust his offensive line. However, he also has to trust his receivers. While the Vols’ offensive line is there to provide the protection Iamaleava needs, Tennessee’s receivers must make the correct reads or he could end up throwing a very errant ball to the wrong place. There didn’t seem to be any worry when Iamaleava was asked about the relationship he has with his receiving corp.
“I’ve been able to get reps with our whole receiver room,” Iamaleava said. “I feel like that whole receiver room can go. We got a lot of pieces that gel well. Can’t wait to go out there and show what we’ve been working on.”
Many called for Iamaleava to play last season when former UT quarterback Joe Milton III struggled at times. However, that might not have been a good plan, per Iamaleava’s learning curve.
“I feel like I’ve got a great grasp of it over the fall and spring,” Iamaleava said when asked about playing in the Vols’ fast-paced attack. “I think the tempo part, we use that as a weapon and you know, every day we’re working on pushing our tempo.”
The Vols have also shown flashes at tight end during fall camp despite having to replace its two starters from last season. Former Vols Jacob Warren and McCallan Castles have been replaced by Alabama transfer Miles Kitselman, Notre Dame transfer Holden Staes and redshirt freshman Ethan Davis, who was one of the highest-rated prospects in the Vols’ 2023 class.
“We got a good, good tight end room,” Iamaleava said. “All three of them can go, so I’m excited. They’re big bodies, big targets that I love throwing to, especially down in the red zone. Being able to use all three of them in packages, if we have to, I feel like them being on the field down in the red zone will be big for us.”
That’s what Tennessee fans are hoping. They’re also expecting Iamaleava to be pretty “big” as well.
