Tennessee’s Citrus Bowl matchup against Iowa marks Nico Iamaleava’s first career start. The former five-star and top five recruit spent the first 12 games of his career on the sideline but the Vols’ presumed 2024 starter will take a step up in his final game of the 2023 season.
Earlier this week in Orlando, Tennessee players met with the media and discussed a myriad of topics including Iamaleava stepping into the starting role. Dylan Sampson and Cooper Mays gave their perspective from the offensive side of the ball and Bryson Eason gave his perspective from practicing against him.
Here’s what they had to say about the Vols’ freshman quarterback.
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Center Cooper Mays
On how many practices and snaps he’s taken with Nico
“He has been the guy all throughout Bowl prep. He has done well for himself. Like Coach said, he does not really handle himself like a young guy. We have had a few weeks here to gel and come up and give him a chance to get ready for the game. He has done a really good job, and he has done the best he can with it.”
On his confidence level in Nico
“We all have great confidence in Nico. Joe still being around (and) helping— he’s a true leader. But I think Nico is ready and everybody has full faith and confidence in him and it’s just time to let him go. I’ll be alongside him helping him out but it’ll be fun.”
On what it’s been like preparing with Nico for the game
“It’s been good, fun. Connecting. We built chemistry along the year in practices but now we’ll get a chance to show it. It’s fun telling him jokes and to ease him into stuff like that. I think we have a good connection and everyone will see that.”
On going against Nico in practice, if he’s ready for the opportunity
“I believe in Nico 100%. My comparison of who he plays like would be a real tall, much taller Bryce Young with just how smooth he is and things like that. It’s been fun and I think Nico will be great for us and we’re ready to see how it goes this game.”
