Josh Heupel pleased with Nico Iamaleava's performance during spring

Nico Iamaleava is QB1 on Rocky Top heading into his redshirt freshman season in the fall. That came to be with his play in the Citrus Bowl to end last year and now continues with how he is performing this spring in Knoxville.

Josh Heupel assessed the play of his young quarterback after Tennessee’s second scrimmage last week. He thought that Iamaleava ran the unit well both from a performance standpoint as well as in being the leader of the offense

“Yeah, just, in general, I thought he operated and functioned extremely well tonight,” said Heupel. “Made some plays – did that with his arm, made it with his feet too.

“We didn’t start super fast on the offensive side of the football. Had some opportunities, just didn’t get points out of it. I just thought his, like, competitive composure was really big,” Heupel continued. “It was kind of his demeanor in general and just continuing to grow in the leadership role too.”

Iamaleava takes over after appearing in five games last season, including the one start in the bowl win in Orlando. He went 28-of-45 (62.2%) in those chances, mostly as the backup behind Joe Milton, for 314 yards and two touchdowns.

In that 35-0 shutout of Iowa to truly start his collegiate career, Iamaleava accounted for all four of the Vols’ offensive scores. He completed a dozen of his 19 throws for 151 yards and one touchdown to TE McCallan Castles on 63.2% completion. He also rushed 15 times for 27 yards but got three scores from them, all of which game in the first half.

There’s plenty of expectations on the former five-star to produce this year as the full-time starter for Tennessee. He’s currently living up to it too based on how Heupel grades his work so far through this portion of their offseason.

“Really pleased with what he’s done,” Heupel said. “That’s tonight and just through the first part of spring ball.”

Heupel evaluates Tennessee’s quarterback depth behind Iamaleava

Iamaleava was Tennessee’s quarterback depth last season, sitting behind Joe Milton as the freshman backup who was patiently waiting his turn. That opportunity then came in the Citrus Bowl with Milton opting out to begin prep work for the NFL Draft.

“Nico’s got to grow here as we go through spring,” Heupel said.

So does the rest of Tennessee’s new-look quarterback room too.

With Milton gone and Iamaleava starting, redshirt senior Gaston Moore becomes the backup while freshman Jake Merklinger makes his debut with the Vols this spring.

“A bunch of guys that haven’t been under the lights of game day very much,” Heupel said.

“Gaston’s performed really consistently throughout the course of spring ball,” Heupel said. “Been really good decision-maker and has good control in what we’re doing offensively.”