Tennessee ranked third in 50-plus yard plays last season. That’s not good enough for the Vols.
“I think for all of us, on offense, is hitting the big plays when they present themselves,” Tennessee offensive coordinator Joey Halzle said after practice on Wednesday. “It is hard in this league to get big plays and when they present themselves, you have to make them.
“You are never going to bat one thousand. You are not going to hit 100-percent, but we have to hit those at a higher clip this year. From the offensive line, to quarterback, to wide out, to running back, to tight end, we all have to step up and have to make those plays.”
Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava was pretty forthright when asked about the Vols’ play on offense last season. It was certainly a far cry from the record-setting season that Tennessee fans got used to in 2022.
“I think just as a whole, there were several games we didn’t play at our full potential,” Iamaleava said. “I think it all starts in the offseason and just building rapport with the guys and holding guys accountable, just building that trust with the guys. I think it all starts now.”
Iamaleava looked unsure and hesitant early last season. That’s normal for a first-time starter. Things should be different this season.
“For me, I think it’s just me knowing the offense well and playing fast,” Iamaleava said. “The more you get comfortable in the offense, it allows you to play free and I think that’s where I’m at right now.”
The notion of replicating that 2022 season, in which the Vols set a mountain of offensive records and benchmarks, may seem like a pipe dream given the players the Vols lost from last year. Iamaleava, however, doesn’t see it like that. With a new set of receivers, he knows what he needs to do during spring camp and summer workouts.
“I think it’s just timing with our receivers,” the sophomore said. “There were a lot of miscues out there that happened last season, and I think that was us just not being on the same page. I think the more reps we get in practice and just keep practicing, at game time it’s easy.”
Perhaps, but explosive plays were much harder to come by last season than 2022. The latter is the goal this year.
