With No. 7 Tennessee set to face No. 12 Georgia this Saturday in a game that has major playoff implications, one question is on every Vol fan’s mind – will quarterback Nico Iamaleava be healthy enough to play?
After suffering a concussion in last week’s game against Mississippi State, Iamaleava has been listed as “questionable” on the team’s injury report. But many sources are convinced he will be able to start against the Bulldogs in Athens this weekend.
“I mean definitely (concussions are) a serious concern in football nowadays,” Tennessee center Cooper Mays told the Vol Report this week. “But, you know, definitely during a time, probably when I was in high school, it seemed like the biggest issue in football. So, gotta be be mindful of stuff like that and got to be cautious.”
If Iamaleava is unable to go on Saturday, the Vols have another strong arm in their arsenal, fifth-year senior walk-on Gaston Moore. Moore was thrust into action last Saturday following Iamaleava’s injury and led the Vols to a 33-14 win. Moore hasn’t seen much playing time in 2024, but has completed 16-of-25 for 201 yards, two TDs and has thrown two interceptions.
The team and fans alike have rallied around Moore this past week and Mays is no exception.
“Super cool dude,” Mays said of Moore. “Just a real everyday dude that you would like to hang out with and kick it with. Super funny and consistent to like, no exception in the building.
“You got to be in our program as a football player,” Mays continued. “I mean, that kind of bleeds into it. (Moore) comes into work with the right attitude every day and just tries to get better every chance he gets. Really like his confidence. And, I feel like we try to probably do a good job of helping him up too. I love when he comes out there and he gets to play.”
One may assume Moore doesn’t know his playing status for Saturday’s game, but would still need to prepare as if he could be the starter. If Moore does get the call, Mays isn’t worried about his preparation.
“The theory is you practice every game like you’re going to be the guy, even if you’re not the guy,” Mays said. “So I don’t know. But… from what I know about Gas and what I’ve learned about him over the past few years, I’m sure he does his best at all times.”
Could Tennessee get a win over Georgia with their backup quarterback? He may not have logged the playing time other QB’s have, but he certainly has knowledge and experience.
“I think he operates at a high level,” Mays noted. “I guess that’s not something that you can quantify but, he’s a guy that’s been in the offense for basically his whole career. (He) just knows how to operate and make things happen and make sure everything’s going smooth in our offense. So, I would say that’s what I like. It helps me, you know, for sure.”
As fans continue to hold their breath awaiting the official word of who will be under center on Saturday, Tennessee appears to be primed for success, no matter which quarterback is on the field.
