Who exactly is Nico Iamaleava? Get acquainted with the Tennessee 5-star recruit who will be taking the quarterback position for the Vols in the Citrus Bowl.
Ranked at No. 25, the Tennessee football team, led by quarterback Joe Milton III, entered the 2023 college football season with high expectations, including a potential run at the College Football Playoff. However, both Milton and the Vols fell short, finishing with four losses and securing a spot in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. Despite being considered the 10th to 12th-best quarterback prospect in the upcoming NFL Draft by most experts, Milton opted to opt out to prepare for the next level.
In his place, former 5-star recruit Nico Iamaleava is set to make his first start against the nation’s No. 3 scoring defense, facing the 20th-ranked Iowa team. As Iamaleava steps into this crucial role, let’s delve into some key aspects about the young quarterback.
Nico Iamaleava’s Age:
Born on September 2, 2004, in Long Beach, California, the 19-year-old Iamaleava attended both Warren High School in Downey, California, and football powerhouse Long Beach Poly High School. Despite his relatively young age compared to other college quarterbacks, Iamaleava’s impressive high school success speaks volumes about his potential.
Senior offensive lineman Cooper Mays has praised Iamaleava’s performance during bowl game preparations, emphasizing that he has taken charge in the absence of Milton. Mays commended Iamaleava’s maturity, stating that he doesn’t handle himself like a young player.
Nico Iamaleava’s Pronunciation:
For those wondering about the pronunciation of Iamaleava’s last name, it is pronounced as “ee-ah-MAY-LAY-ah-va,” according to his official bio page on Tennessee’s website. With Samoan ancestry, Iamaleava participated in the 2023 Polynesian Bowl, showcasing his talents in an annual high school football all-star game in Hawaii.
Nico Iamaleava’s NIL Deal:
Reports suggest that Iamaleava has entered into a substantial NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deal with Spyre Sports Group, valued at $8 million. The contract stipulates that the agreement does not serve as an inducement for him to enroll at a specific school or join a particular athletic team. While Iamaleava has not publicly discussed the reported deal, he responded with a “next question” when asked about NIL during the spring, according to the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Nico Iamaleava’s High School Stats:
In the 2023 season with Tennessee, Iamaleava played in four games, completing 16-of-26 passing attempts for 163 yards and one touchdown. He also showcased his rushing abilities, accumulating 44 yards on five carries. However, his high school career was particularly noteworthy, with impressive stats including 1,986 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and six rushing touchdowns during his senior year. Iamaleava was named the MVP of the Polynesian Bowl and earned the title of Polynesian Football Player of the Year.
Nico Iamaleava’s Highlights:
Before making his mark on the college football stage, Iamaleava left a lasting impression with highlights from his high school career. A versatile athlete, he excelled not only in football but also as a star volleyball player.
As Nico Iamaleava gears up for his first extended playing time against the formidable Iowa defense, the college football world eagerly awaits to see if he will live up to the high expectations set for him in this new chapter of Tennessee football.
