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Top recruits react to Nico Iamaleava's commitment to Tennessee

PeterWarrenPhoto2by:Peter Warren•03/21/22•

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Chad Simmons/On3

Five-star quarterback Nico Iamaleava started the week with a bang by announcing his commitment Monday to Tennessee. The No. 5 overall recruit in the 2023 On3 Consensus became arguably the biggest domino to fall so far in the 2023 recruiting cycle with the news.

“This is huge for Tennessee and Josh Heupel, obviously,” On3 Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons said. “I think Nico will have a huge impact on this class, not just quarterbacks but all the positions and for this Tennessee recruiting class. But as far as impacting the country at the quarterback spot, it’s crazy.”

The impact of the announcement has been immediate, with Volunteers making a seven-spot jump in the 2023 On3 Consensus Team Recruiting Ranking with the commitment. But it will also reverberate for months to come as the idea of playing with a talent like Iamaleava entices some of the nation’s top recruits to follow him to Rocky Top.

Some of that trickle-down effect could already be seen Monday morning on Twitter, with some of the top players across the country reacting to Iamaleava’s news with excitement and more than a few emojis.

Suwanee (Ga.) Collins Hill four-star tight end and Tennessee commit Ethan Davis

Chicago IMG Academy five-star wide receiver Carnell Tate

Irmo (S.C.) IMG Academy four-star wide receiver Devin Hyatt

Dacula (Ga.) Hebron Christian Academy three-star safety and Tennessee commit Jack Luttrell

Gardendale (Ala.) four-star defensive lineman Kelby Collins

Gardena (Calif.) Junipero Serra four-star athlete Rodrick Pleasant