Nico Iamaleava's Biggest Strength Heading Into First Challenge

Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Nico Iamaleava will get his first career start against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Citrus Bowl.

There were many murmurs about which Tennessee quarterback would get the starting nod in the Citrus Bowl. Quarterback Joe Milton III started all twelve games for the Vols this season but had his sights set on the NFL Draft. On Wednesday, Milton announced that he would forgo the game and test the professional waters, though he will be with the team during preparation and the game itself.

Freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava has seen action in four contests this season, though limited. He's logged 26 passes to date and will get his first career start against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Citrus Bowl. Iamaleava was the No. 3 prospect in the 2023 class, according to the 247Sports' Composite Rankings. He's been the crown jewel of head coach Josh Heupel's recruiting efforts through his early tenure with the team.

Iowa won't be an easy challenge in the slightest for Iamaleava. They are the No. 2 team in the FBS in yards allowed per play, No. 3 in offensive touchdowns allowed, and No. 5 in yards allowed per game. They have a historically bad offense, but the Hawkeyes didn't get to the Big Ten Championship by accident - they are a nightmare scenario for young quarterbacks.

News broke that the Nico Iamaleava era will begin in the Citrus Bowl vs. Iowa.

I went to the tape and watched every snap from his freshman season to see what he has in store for four quarters against one of America's best defenses. 🧵

➕ Escape artist
➕ Processor
➕ Pace pic.twitter.com/o7k2pCtUAj

— Evan Crowell (@evanvcrowell) December 27, 2023

So, what is Iamaleava's biggest strength heading into his first start? What calling card can he lean on that will enable him to succeed in tough situations? Every quarterback has a different calling card, and through the first four games of his career, it seems like Iamaleava's is poise, both in and out of structure. He understands the system well, which is reflective of his work ethic, and he did it from game one.

When free rushers flew into his face against Vanderbilt, he didn't crumple - Iamaleava sidestepped and made throws out of structure. When UConn asked him to fit throws into tight windows, he did it. When Virginia didn't think he could make plays with his feet, he did it. There haven't been many tests in his young career, but when there have been, Iamaleava has calmly answered the bell. If he can keep that mindset against Iowa, then he should be able to navigate the highs and lows of the game.

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

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