Joey Halzle Feels Nico Iamaleava Is Ready For Challenge At Hand

Tennessee Volunteers offensive coordinator Joey Halzle spoke about what he's looking for from quarterback Nico Iamaleava during the Cheez-Its Citrus Bowl.

All eyes are on quarterback Nico Iamaleava heading into Monday afternoon. Tennessee starting quarterback Joe Milton III opted out of the Cheez-Its Citrus Bowl to prepare for the NFL Draft, leaving the young Iamaleava in line for the first start of his college career. Offensive coordinator Joey Halzle has worked closely with him over the past year to prepare him for this moment, and Halzle explained what he's expecting from Iamaleava on Monday. 

"He’s got to understand situational football. When to take the risk, when not to, all of that. When to scramble. When is a throwaway a good thing? When an incompletion is a positive. All of those types of thoughts for a young quarterback."

Iamaleava signed with Tennessee last December, becoming the highest-rated quarterback to sign with the Vols in the rankings era. Fans have been waiting for his first extended opportunity since he committed back in March 2022. Halzle explained that a ranking didn't determine Iamaleava's path to this moment but his work ethic. 

"When someone comes in as highly touted as he was, a lot of times they feel like they’re finished products. He wasn’t. He wanted to come in and be like, alright, what do I need to do to take my physical game to the next level as well? He came in and was completely open with tinkering with the mechanics, his lower body, all of that. And that’s why I think he’s made the growth that he has, and that’s why I think that the guys out there with him have the confidence that he’ll go perform at a high level when he’s called upon."

Tennessee Volunteers QB Nico Iamaleava during the win over Vanderbilt. (Photo by Randy Sartin of USA Today Sports)

How To Watch: Tennessee vs. Iowa

• Gameday: Monday, January 1st, 2024.
• Game time: 1:00 pm ET
• TV: ABC
• Stadium: Camping World Stadium (Orlando, Florida)
• Live stream on fuboTV: Start with a 7-day free trial!

NFL Draft Declarations / Citrus Bowl Opt-Outs

• Joe Milton III, QB
• Jaylen Wright, RB
• Jabari Small, RB

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