Breaking down the development of Nico Iamaleava, how Tennessee’s offense will look different

The Nico Iamaleava era at Tennessee begins this season as the former five-star prospect becomes the third quarterback to take over the reins of Josh Heupel‘s offense since his arrival in Knoxville ahead of the 2021 season. Of those QBs, Iamaleava could arguably be the signal caller with the most potential to become the face of the program ahead of his redshirt freshman season.

Iamaleava made his first career start in the Citrus Bowl last season and excelled, but according to Brent Hubbs from VolQuest, he’s grown and developed beyond that performance ahead of his first full season as a starter.

“Well the biggest thing is physically, I mean he’s put on 15 pounds or so,” Hubbs said at the On3 Roundtable. “He’s a really tall guy, so he’s always gonna look skinny, but I mean he’s 215-220 (pounds). So it starts there with him.

“I think it’s just a further grasp of this offense and the knowledge that it’s him. It’s his show, it’s his offense, he’s in charge,” Hubbs added. “I think his leadership has shown up in that way. Physically, in terms of throwing the ball, I don’t think there’s anything greatly different with his mechanics. I think it’s about process, and decision making, and leadership for Nico heading into this season with him at the helm as the quarterback.”

The development journey for Iamaleava starts in December of 2022 after enrolling early to Tennessee and participating in bowl practices for the Volunteers alongside quarterbacks Hendon Hooker and Joe Milton. But according to Hubbs, the young and talented passer brings a different play style and set of traits to the table for Tennessee’s offense compared to his predecessors at the position.

“I don’t think Nico is going to run as freely as Hendon. I don’t think he’s gonna have as many rushing yards, but he’s gonna run for more yards than Joe Milton did in my opinion,” Hubbs said. “I think Nico is more elusive than Joe, I think he can escape pressure, I think he can get out of trouble easier than Joe could, even though he took six sacks in the bowl game. I think he is an eyes down field, look to throw off platform guy first. But if that quick read’s not there, I don’t think he has any problem tucking it and running it.”

Iamaleava showed his effectiveness as a runner in the Citrus Bowl, where he was named the MVP of the game after rushing for three touchdowns to go along with his lone passing score of the game. But how much he’ll use his legs this upcoming season will be largely dependent on how Tennessee’s offensive staff wants to utilize him.

“I think the question is going to be, from an offensive play-calling standpoint, how many true quarterback runs do they call, do they dial-up?” Hubbs asked. “They dialed up quite a few for Hendon and I don’t know that they’ll dial up as many for Nico. So I think Hendon’s is probably a little better runner, I think Nico is probably a little better thrower on the run from an accuracy standpoint, and I think Nico wants to run more than Joe did.”

Plenty of excitement surrounds Tennessee’s offense this season, which has a lot to do with Iamaleava, as he’ll look to take the unit to potentially new heights in his first full season as a starter.