Everything Josh Heupel said regarding Nico Iamaleava ahead of season opener vs. Chattanooga
By Ethan Stone
Published:
Tennessee’s 2024 season kicks off Saturday at 12:45 when FCS Chattanooga travels north on I-75 up to Knoxville. The Vols will be captained by sophomore QB Nico Iamaleava, who is making his 2nd career start – first since leading the Vols to a 35-0 Citrus Bowl win over Iowa at the end of last season.
On Monday reporters met with head coach Josh Heupel, who previewed the Vols’ season opener as well as his new starting QB. Here’s everything he said regarding Iamaleava:
Has surrounding Iamaleava with veteran talent on offense helped his preparation for the season?
“Well, for every quarterback, not just young ones, but for everyone, guys around him playing at a really high level, execution is really important. That can be your offensive line and pass protection and it’s being efficient in the run game. Staying out of the third-and-long situations. Your skill guys being where they need to be in the pass concept or protection. All those things tie in into it together at the same time. Quarterback has got to make everybody right, too.”
What Heupel personally wants to see from Iamaleava on Saturday:
“Play smart football. Take care of the football. Manage the game extremely well. Communication, playing within yourself and at times, when they present themselves, make plays and he’s had the opportunity to start the ball game. I think that was a great experience. Helps propel and create urgency in the off season. He’s handled himself extremely well here during the course training camp, too. Young quarterback. He’s gonna get better as we go through the season. I say that just meaning that every rep you get at that position on game day helps you as well.”
Heupel was also asked if he’s talked with Iamaleava about his first upcoming home start, and what his emotions are like heading into such a big moment. Heupel told the reporter that he hadn’t talked him about that but conveyed that he’d tell him just to soak it all in and “enjoy the journey leading up to kickoff.”
Here’s Heupel’s full press conference leading into Week 1:
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Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.
