Josh Heupel evaluates Tennessee football's quarterback depth behind Nico Iamaleava

Josh Heupel couldn’t get away after Thursday night’s Tennessee football scrimmage without being asked about Nico Iamaleava. The former five-star prospect and the new starter for the Vols in 2024 “operated and functioned extremely well” in the second spring scrimmage. 

“And made some plays,” Heupel added.

“He did that with his arm,” Heupel said, “made it with his feet too.” 

It wasn’t a fast start to the scrimmage on offense, Heupel admitted, but Iamaleava still looked the part. 

“Had some opportunities,” Heupel said, “but just didn’t get points out of it. I just thought his competitive composure was really big and it was kind of his demeanor in general. He is continuing to grow in the leadership role, too. 

“So really pleased with what he is done. That’s tonight and just through the first part of spring ball.”

‘The strength of any position room can’t just be one guy’

Iamaleava was Tennessee’s quarterback depth last season, sitting behind Joe Milton as the freshman backup who was patiently waiting his turn. That came in the Citrus Bowl against Iowa, with Milton opting out to begin prep work for the NFL Draft and allowing Iamaleavea to make his first start.

He completed 12 of 19 passes for 151 yards and a touchdown and rushed 15 times for 27 yards and had three rushing touchdowns in the 35-0 win over the Hawkeyes. 

“Nico’s got to grow here as we go through spring,” Heupel said.

And so does the rest of Tennessee’s new-look quarterback room. With Milton gone and Iamaleava starting, redshirt senior Gaston Moore becomes the backup while freshman Jake Merklinger make his debut with the Vols this spring.

“A bunch of guys that haven’t been under the lights of game day very much,” Heupel said.

Moore spent the 2020 season at UCF with Heupel before following him to Tennessee. He’s completed 10 of 17 passes for 72 yards and an interception in eight games over the last three seasons with the Vols.

He appeared in four games last season, three games in 2022 and one game in 2021.

“Gaston’s performed really consistently throughout the course of spring ball,” Heupel said. “Been really good decision-maker and has good control in what we’re doing offensively.”

Up Next: Tennessee’s Orange & White Game, April 13, Neyland Stadium, 1 p.m. ET

Merklinger was a four-star prospect out of Calvary Day School in Savannah, Georgia, in the 2024 recruiting cycle. He was ranked No. 200 overall in the class in the On3 Industry Ranking and was the No. 12 quarterback nationally. He was the No. 23 overall player in the state of Georgia.

He committed to Tennessee in March 2023 over offers from Georgia, Michigan State and North Carolina, among others, and signed with the Vols in December. 

“Jake Merklinger was more comfortable (Thursday) than he was scrimmage one – not even close,” Heupel said. “That’s just command on the sideline in the huddle and then controlling what’s going on out there. 

“There’s a lot of fundamental growth left from Merk,” Heupel added, “that’s typical of all the young quarterbacks that come in here.”

Heupel said he likes his group of quarterbacks and the way they have come together during the spring.

“They encourage each other and they challenge each other,” Heupel said, “and obviously, the strength of any position room can’t just be one guy.”