Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava and defensive back Boo Carter have been featured as names to watch for the Shaun Alexander Award, given to the most outstanding freshman in college football.
Iamaleava is eligible for the award after redshirting in the 2023-2024 season, as he only participated in four regular season games, as well as his lone start against Iowa in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. Defensive back Boo Carter, on the other hand, is on the watch list as he enters his true freshman season with a chance to earn significant minutes at the STAR position.
๐๐๐ญ๐๐ก ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐๐๐ฌ๐จ๐ง ๐@boo_Carter6 and @nico_iamaleava8 have been named to the Shaun Alexander – Freshmen of the Year Award Watch List by @MaxwellFootball
๐ฐ ยป https://t.co/hnrKoU5CcO#GBO๐ pic.twitter.com/XOO9pUF5PS
โ Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) August 28, 2024
If you were to ask for one name that gets Tennessee fans excited, chances are high that name would be Nico Iamaleava.
Iamaleava enters the fold as the starting quarterback for the Volunteers with a rabid fanbase ready to get behind the former five-star recruit. It’s easy to see why many are optimistic about what Iamaleava could do in a fast, production-filled Tennessee offense. Iamaleava fills out an impressive frame, listed at a height of 6’6 and weight of 215, and can spread the ball across the field with his strong arm and legs. In his first career start in the bowl matchup against a historically stout Iowa defense, he led Tennessee to a 35-0 win.
Iamaleava impressed many with this performance as he took home the Citrus Bowl MVP, exciting the fanbase for what’s to come. In the passing game, he had 12 completions on 19 attempts, with 151 passing yards and one touchdown. Iamaleava also provided a dual-threat performance, escaping the line of scrimmage for three rushing touchdowns. In his lone start, he provided plenty of reason to look forward to the upcoming season, however, there is still plenty to prove, as he lacks experience.
More From RTI: What Josh Heupel Is Looking For From Nico Iamaleavas Season Opening Game
On the defensive side of the ball, fellow freshman Boo Carter looks to make an impact in a secondary full of fresh faces. As soon as Jourdan Thomas went down with a season-ending knee injury, many looked to Carter’s way to see if he could compete for a starting spot. Rarely has defensive coordinator Tim Banks played youth in the secondary, let alone a freshman, but Boo Carter looks to break this mold. Carter has a clear opportunity to play meaningful snaps but has to make the most of it and prove he is capable early on. Carter also looks ready to contribute as a return man on special teams, too.
Carter comes to Tennessee after graduating from Bradley Central High School in Cleveland, Tennessee. Carter was a big recruiting win out of high school for Tennessee, as he held over 40 scholarship offers. Carter tallied nearly 1,800 all-purpose yards in his senior year, scoring 27 touchdowns on his way to winning the 2023 Tennessee Class 6A Mr. Football Award.
Iamaleava and Carter were two of 37 players named to the watch list for the Shaun Alexander Award. The list will be slimmed down to 14 players on Nov. 6, then five finalists will be named on Dec. 4. The winner will not be named until next spring on Mar. 14, 2025.
