DeShaun Foster affirms belief in Nico Iamaleava’s character

After Nico Iamaleava parted ways with Tennessee due to an NIL dispute, many fans called the redshirt sophomore quarterback’s character into question. Following Iamaleava’s commitment to UCLA, Bruins head coach DeShaun Foster defended his transfer QB from the critics.

“Polynesian kid, so respectful kid just coming from that culture,” Foster said about Iamlaeava. “A competitor, somebody that wants to play football and wants to compete. So, we’re just excited to get him here. A lot of these kids that we have on this team played with him at some level or knows him, so there’s a lot of familiarity.”

Iamaleava mutually parted ways with Tennessee after the two sides couldn’t agree on a restructured NIL deal. Iamaleava was reportedly seeking a $4 million per year deal, a significant increase from his reported pre-existing $2.2 million deal.

Tennessee refused to meet Iamaleava’s requests, and he ultimately entered the transfer portal. It’s unclear how much UCLA will be paying Iamleava next season, but Foster referred to the deal as “successful.”

Now, he can only hope that Iamaleava is equally successful on the field. If last year is any indication, Bruins fans have plenty to be excited about.

As a redshirt freshman last season, Iamaleava was Tennessee’s full-time starter. He finished the year with 2,616 passing yards and 19 touchdowns while throwing five interceptions. He also recorded 358 yards and three scores in the ground game.

Iamaleava led the Volunteers to their first College Football Playoff appearance in program history. It was also the first year the CFP expanded to include 12 teams. Tennessee lost in the first round of the CFP to eventual national champion Ohio State.

While many Tennessee fans weren’t shy to voice their frustrations with Iamaleava’s decision, the California native doesn’t seem to hold any ill will toward the fan base. Iamaleava included a heartfelt message to Tennessee fans in his transfer announcement.

“To the amazing people in Knoxville, thank you for embracing and uplifting me throughout my time there,” Iamaleava said. “I’ll be forever thankful for the support you showed me every step of the way and I’ll always cherish the relationships I built there and the memories I created with my brothers.

“I believe with all my heart that I gave my all as a Volunteer. I’m truly grateful for the time I had at UT.”

Now, Nico Iamaleava will look to lead the Bruins to new heights next season. UCLA is coming off a 5-7 season. It was the program’s first year under DeShaun Foster.