Josh Heupel details the 'unique dynamic' between Joe Milton, Nico Iamaleava

Joe Milton and Hendon Hooker had a special relationship during their time at Tennessee as starting and backup quarterbacks, also serving as roommates and teammates who strived to make each other better.

But with Hooker now gone and Milton serving as the team’s starter, freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava now steps into the role as the team’s backup. And head coach Josh Heupel recently spoke about the relationship between Milton and Iamaleava, comparing it to the previous starter and backup relationship he witnessed the last two seasons in Knoxville.

“I think it’s a little bit different in the amount of time Nico’s spent here, but at the end of the day for him being very supportive, helping him on the sidelines, being able to talk about what happened on previously plays, previous series,” Heupel said. “I think that’s important.”

Heupel also made it clear that even when Milton served as Tennessee’s backup quarterback that he made a major impact on the team, something that Iamaleava could potentially do this upcoming season despite only being a freshman. Especially now that he has Milton to show him the ropes and the path he’s recently walked down.

“But Joe was such a great leader for us a year ago long before anybody saw him step on the field, and his growth and how intentional he was in his work was a big part of why everybody believed he’d play at a really high level when he got his next chance,” Heupel explained.

And now that Iamaleava stands in the same shoes Milton did last season, Heupel laid out what he expects from him this upcoming season as he sits and learns behind the veteran quarterback.

“And for Nico this year right now in the back end of training camp getting prepared for Week 1 and throughout the course of the season, as it’s true for every guy that’s not the first guy out there offense, defense, or special teams, man it’s about continued growth and putting yourself in a position to play at your highest level when you get your opportunity,” Heupel said. “So Nico’s operated that way, he’s been intentional in the way that he’s worked.”

Milton may be the present, but Iamaleava is the future. And the relationship between the two could be key in how Iamaleava is able to lead the Tennessee offense whenever his number is called during is career with the Volunteers.

“Joe being able to see things and communicate to Nico, never it being personal you know what I mean? It’s a really positive relationship that exists between those two, but all the guys inside that quarterback room. It’s a really unique dynamic,” Heupel concluded.