Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava opens up about his relationship with Joe Milton

Tennessee early enrollee quarterback Nico Iamaleava is the future of the program but he might have to wait a year to start as Joe Milton is still on the roster.

But the relationship between the two quarterbacks is a good and strong one.

Iamaleava said after the Orange and White Game that Milton has been a big brother to him since he arrived in Knoxville

“I’ve always looked up to Joe on my recruiting visits,” Iamaleava said. “When I met him, I always knew he was gonna be there for me when I got in here. Its been tremendous. He’s been a real big brother helping me out with the offense. Off the field, too, we like brothers. Its been a cool ride with us.”

The 6-foot-6 quarterback out of Long Beach, Calif., is one of the most hyped recruits in recent memory for the Volunteers. Iamaleava is the No. 6 overall recruit and No. 3 quarterback in the 2023 On3 Industry Ranking. The On3 Industry is a proprietary algorithm that compiles ratings and rankings from all four major recruiting media services. The On3 Industry Ranking is the most advanced, complete and unbiased rating and ranking measurement in the industry. 

In the 2023 On300 ranking, Iamaleava slotted in as the No. 1 recruit in the entire country.

With Iamaleava and Milton, head coach Josh Heupel has built himself another strong quarterback room.

Heupel liked the way the two quarterbacks played during the spring game Saturday but also added there was room for improvement in both of their games.

For Iamaleava, Heupel highlighted the true freshman’s special talent to make plays as something that standouts about his potential at the college level.

“His ability to do those things is certainly a skillset that was important to us in the recruiting process,” Heupel said. “He does have a really good feel for a young guy inside the pocket, when to step up, when to escape out the backside. He’s dynamic and explosive as an athlete. So, he’s got the ability to get away from defenders…He’s got the ability to get himself in great body position when he’s out in space and got people chasing him. When he doesn’t have the ability because of where the bodies are out in space, to get himself in perfect position, he’s still able to be accurate with the football. He’s got a really unique skillset as he’s breaking contain.”