DeShaun Foster reveals what excites him most about Nico Iamaleava

UCLA wasn’t expecting to add a player like QB Nico Iamaleava. Since they since have with his transfer during the spring cycle, there’s a lot to be excited about for the Bruins in just talking about his play on the field.

DeShaun Foster discussed the most interesting parts of adding Iamaleava to next season’s roster while speaking last week about picking him up out of the portal. He noted all the aspects of his game that will be of use to them at quarterback like his frame, his competitiveness, and his passing ability.

“Um, 6’6″. You know, this is a big guy,” said Foster. “A true competitor. Like, fiery. Big arm.”

Foster also sees an off-field impact for their program considering Iamaleava is from Long Beach just a half hour outside of Los Angeles. This can be an in-state advertisement if he comes in and has success in leading UCLA this fall.

“And then, you know, it’s going to – keeping the, the California kids and the LA kids here, you know. This is a big thing,” said Foster. “When I played here, a lot of kids stayed here, but I also played with guys from out of state. But, you still wanted to stay local and play big-time football.”

Iamaleava hasn’t yet realized the potential he had as a former five-star, who was a top-ten recruit nationally and top-three quarterback, through two college seasons. He had moments while at Tennessee but never got all the way there in completing 63.8% of his passes for 201.3 yards per game with 19 passing touchdowns and five interceptions this past year as the Volunteers’ starter. Now, in his return to the west coast, he’ll have a chance to do so again but, this time, for his hometown team.

Again, Iamaleava was not part of the plan for UCLA. Still, since he is now, there’ll be a lot of excitement in what he can do for them this season in the Rose Bowl.

“I’m just pretty excited,” said Foster.

Foster affirms belief in Nico Iamaleava’s character

After Nico Iamaleava parted ways with Tennessee due to a dispute regarding NIL, many fans called his character into question. Following Iamaleava’s commitment to UCLA, though, DeShaun Foster has defended his transfer quarterback from his current 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.”