Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava was one of four players who spoke with the media on Monday morning after the Vols’ spring camp practice to kick off the week.
Monday’s practice represented the start of the second week of practice and the Vols will continue their work through the 2024 Orange & White game on April 13.
Tennessee wore full pads for the second time this spring during Monday morning’s practice.
A trio of Tennessee linemen kicked off the player availabilities. Returning offensive tackle and fan-favorite John Campbell Jr. was the first on the stage on Monday and spoke about his transition to the right tackle position and the bond and respect for the teammates that he has in the offensive line room. Monday also gave the media the chance to speak with former LSU transfer offensive tackle Lance Heard, who spoke about his first impressions of Knoxville, the Tennessee tempo, and spring camp in general.
Tennessee veteran Dayne Davis was the final lineman to speak on Monday and touched on being a versatile piece for Tennessee’s line this year, and what the spring will look like from both an on-field perspective and a leadership perspective as one of the most experienced players in the room.
Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava closed down the day with a seven-minute press conference. Iamaleava spoke about his transition to being the starter and what has or has not changed from his routine, the support that Tennessee showed student-athletes in their fight against the NCAA, his impression of Tennessee’s freshman receivers, and much more.
More from RTI: Tennessee Football Notes And Observations: Spring Practice Number Five
Check out all four interviews from Monday in Knoxville below:
(Tip: Turn on captions by hitting the “C” key on your keyboard if you are experiencing trouble hearing the questions or answers.)
Tennessee OL John Campbell Jr.
On Nico Iamaleava’s development…
“Nico is a baller, man. That’s my boy. Everything he is doing, he is doing it fast, doing it great. He’s making great decisions. I love Nico, and he’s a great leader.”
Tennessee OL Lance Heard
On how he’s adjusting to life at Tennessee…
“The city is definitely different. I’m not used to seeing all of the mountains and stuff. I really did not know anyone down here, so it was kind of a big-boy decision to make to come this far away from home.”
Tennessee OL Dayne Davis
On early impressions of Lance Heard…
“Really long player, really big guy, knows how to use his hands, has a really violent punch. When he gets his hands on somebody, you just see them snap back. You see the power in that guy, and as I said with the young guys, Lance is in the same bucket. As he learns the offense more, everything else will slow down.”
Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava
On if there is a difference in camp coming in as a starter…
“Not too much. Even last year, I approached every day like I was the starter. I think Joe (Milton III) did a great job of just helping me visualize what that looks like, and I have carried it over to this year.”
