Former Tennessee head coach: Nico Iamaleava is “really something special”

All eyes are on Nico Iamaleava as Tennessee football approaches its highly anticipated 2024 season. Iamaleava is entering his first season as the Vols' full-time starting quarterback and expectations are high for the former five-star recruit.

During a radio hit on WNML's “Josh and Swain” this week, former Tennessee head coach Phillip Fulmer added even more momentum to the hype surrounding Iamaleava early in the season.

“This young guy, Nico, is the real deal,” Fulmer said. “He's the real deal. I've met a lot of good guys, but this guy is really special. We just have to keep him healthy and keep the younger guys coming through, but if he stays healthy, it could be a very exciting offensive team that leads to a really exciting football team.”

As a former Tennessee head coach, Fulmer likely attended at least a few of the Vols' practices this fall camp and got a close look at Tennessee's young and talented quarterback.

Iamaleava did not play in his first season in Tennessee, appearing as a substitute in four regular-season games before starting in the Vols' Citrus Bowl victory over Iowa.

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In the blowout win over Iowa, the 6'6″ quarterback completed 12 of 19 passes for 151 yards and a passing touchdown, as well as 27 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. Iamaleava impressed the former Tennessee head coach with his performance in his first career start.

“They did a great job of putting him in the game over and over again and giving him a chance to play and start the bowl game,” Fulmer said. “He did a great job of doing everything he had to do to help them win the game and he has so much poise. He looks you in the eye and shakes your hand. He's alert and goes into the huddle or to the line of scrimmage and is on top of things. He gets everyone on track and hopefully we play like we've practiced and stay healthy.”

During his freshman season, Iamaleava threw for 163 yards and two touchdowns, but this season he's reached a whole new level as he's the undisputed leader of Tennessee's offense.

Fulmer isn't the only one Iamaleava has impressed during fall camp. The quarterback's teammates and coaches have often raved about him, including offensive coordinator Joey Halzle and head coach Josh Heupel.

“I think we're going to see his game rise to an even higher level. That's a scary thought because just his natural ability to step on a football field and play well is top-notch,” Halzle said earlier in fall camp. “Now he's got to do it 17 straight games this year with live ammunition, but we're really excited to see how far along he is mentally in that process.”