In Orlando, the Nico Iamaleava era got off to a great start on Monday afternoon. In the Citrous Bowl, Tennessee dominated Iowa, taking an early lead thanks to the true freshman quarterback’s legs. Iamaleava gave the Volunteers a 21-0 lead by scoring three goals on the ground.
That’s all she wrote, given Iowa’s heinous offence. Tennessee proceeded to triumph 35-0.
Iamaleava was impressive while he was in the ground, but even more so when he was leading Tennessee’s fast-paced offence. In the pocket, he was decisive, most of the time running through his reads to find the open man. Tennessee’s passing attack lacked any genuine flare, but that was to be expected given Iowa’s formidable defence. Iamaleava just had one task to complete for the day: accepting what was offered to him.
“I think he’s going to be a really dynamic player,” Josh Heupel declared following the contest. And I am aware of that. I thought he carried himself with such composure the entire day. Little things, subtle things, breaking up the huddle, talking to each other in the hallway, and managing the run game. His gaze fell at the proper spot. It’s great to watch a young man launch his career and execute so well.”
Iamaleava amassed 12-19 yards and a touchdown at the end of the day.
“I think he’s going to be a really dynamic player,” Josh Heupel said afterwards. And that’s something I know. He seemed to have such poise the entire day, in my opinion. Minor details, nuanced aspects, disengaging from the group, conversing with one another in the corridor, and controlling the run game. His eyes landed at the right place. Seeing a young man start his career and perform so well is admirable.”
At the end of the day, Iamaleava accumulated 12–19 yards and a score.
Iamaleava’s should have been much better thanks to the receivers, but drops dogged them throughout the entire year. Still, you were able to witness the true freshman quarterback’s level of assurance and poise—he will start the next season.
