There is no better way for Nico Iamaleava to begin his career with the Tennessee Volunteers than this one.
Joe Milton III, this year’s starter, missed the Citrus Bowl due to his 2024 NFL Draft declaration, thus true freshman Iamaleava took
center stage.
Iamaleava, a five-star quarterback prospect, was given the start in the bowl game against an Iowa defense that is usually among the
best in the league by Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel. The true freshman performed admirably.
He was Tennessee’s 35-0 victory’s standout player.
Iamaleava ran 15 times for 27 yards and three scores, destroying Iowa with his legs. He was unbeatable in the red zone because to his
ability to take off and sprint.
He finished with four touchdowns overall after completing 12 of 19 throws for 151 yards and a score just for good measure.
He was so effective that former Tennessee great quarterback Hendon Hooker took notice of him. That was an incredible first start for a
rookie quarterback.
Hooker was a standout for the Vols in two seasons, even if he wasn’t Peyton Manning. He ran for 1,050 yards and ten scores on the
ground in addition to passing for 6,060 yards and 58 touchdowns with just five interceptions.
Hooker was fantastic for Tennessee, and he already recognizes Iamaleava’s greatness, just as the rest of us do.
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