The first image of the Nico Iamaleava era at Tennessee
Nico Iamaleava arrived in Knoxville to start his Tennessee football career this week. The first image of the Iamaleava era with the Vols came Thursday on social media.
The five-star quarterback from California posted a picture on Instagram on Thursday showing his red Tennessee practice jersey, with the Vols starting bowl practice preparing for the December 30 Orange Bowl against Clemson.
Tennessee’s early enrollees can participate in bowl practices after signing with the Vols.
The 6-foot-5.5, 195-pound Iamaleava, out of Warren High School in Long Beach, Calif., was the No. 2 overall player in the 2023 class in the On3 ratings. He was ranked as the No. 2 quarterback in the country and the No. 1 overall player out of the state of California.
Iamaleava headlines a 2023 Tennessee recruiting class is currently No. 10 in the team rankings, with two five-star prospects in Iamaleava and defensive lineman Daevin Hobbs. The class includes 11 four-star prospects and 11 three-star prospects.
Tennessee has 14 players in the 2023 class that are expected to take part in bowl practices.
Players who enroll early in college are eligible for bowl practices as long as they have completed their high school coursework, graduated and signed with their new school.
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Iamaleava committed to the Vols in March, picking Tennessee over Miami, Alabama and Georgia, among others.
“After seeing the majority of the top 2023 quarterbacks both on video and in person,” On3 recruiting analyst Charles Power wrote, “it’s safe to say Nico Iamaleava is the most physically gifted of the bunch. The 6-foot-5.5, 195-pounder is a gifted thrower and a twitched-up athlete. The ball comes out of his hand differently than any other 2023 quarterback I’ve seen throw in person.
“You don’t have to squint to see Iamaleava’s physical tools translating to the SEC and ultimately the NFL. The flashes are highly impressive. Iamaleava’s ability to drive the ball downfield on vertical shots is eye-popping. He’s also able to evade defenders and make high-level reactive plays against pressure with his arm and feet.”
Nico Iamaleava On3 Scouting Summary
“High-upside signal caller who may have the best physical tools among quarterbacks in the 2023 cycle. Has one of the stronger arms in the cycle, generating considerable velocity on his throws in camp settings. Tall with a slender build with room to fill out. Boasts a quick, clean throwing motion despite his longer arms. A bouncy, fluid mover who doubles as a top volleyball player. Still developing in terms of some technical aspects of the game. Plays in a high school offense that is heavily skewed towards quick passes and screens. Can continue to improve his accuracy on downfield passes. Has done a very good job taking care of the football with just two interceptions in his first two varsity seasons.”
