One of the biggest storylines throughout spring practices will be the quarterback competition between five-star Nico Iamaleava Jr. and Joe Milton III.
College Sports Wire listed Tennessee’s quarterback battle as one of the most intriguing entering the 2023 season.
Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel appeared on 247Sports’ “College Football Recruiting Show” ahead of spring practices. He discussed what the Vols are getting in Iamaleava Jr. on and off the field.
“The player’s extremely special,” Heupel said. “You can watch the tape for two, or three, or four plays, and see some really special gifts. The further you dive into it, the more you see and recognize.
“What I’ve loved about him is that from the moment that he’s gotten here, he’s been a great teammate. He cares about the people around him. He’s selfless, he’s humble, he works extremely hard and the people around him see that. In the short time we’ve had him, from bowl prep all the way until now, getting ready to kick off spring ball, he’s made great strides in understanding.”
Iamaleava Jr. begins his collegiate career with extremely high expectations. He is the first five-star quarterback to sign with the Vols since 2002.
“He’s got a great feel of his body, but he does have an impact on the people around him,” Heupel continued about Iamaleava Jr. “Great players at the quarterback position have an ability to attract people inside the locker room, to have people follow him, and to raise the level of expectations that surround not just the individual player but the players he comes in contact with.”
Tennessee will begin spring practice on March 20 and will look to continue positive momentum after an 11-win season in 2022.
PHOTOS: Nico Iamaleava Jr. arrives at Tennessee for Orange Bowl practices
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