Joey Halzle, new Tennessee OC, speaks about expectations and Nico Iamaleava learning the playbook
By Keith Farner
Published:
Joey Halzle, the new offensive coordinator at Tennessee, spoke with the media on Wednesday and laid out his plans and expectations.
Halzle said his message to the Vols is to not assume that what happened last season would repeat itself, that they still have to earn it. As he transitions to a new role, Halzle added that the biggest difference is in recruiting. He has a larger hand in that area now.
Halzle is a long-time Josh Heupel colleague, and has worked with the Tennessee head coach since 2009 at Oklahoma as a quality control when Heupel was the quarterbacks coach. The 2 have continued to work together at Utah State, Missouri, UCF and Tennessee.
About incoming quarterback Nico Iamaleava, Halzle said Iamaleava’s already been intent on learning the language and how plays are called. That makes it easier and quicker to transition to the details of actually playing the quarterback position for Tennessee.
Halzle also supported Iamaleava playing in the Polynesian Bowl, and added, “I thought that was really beneficial for him. I love when guys get to go play in their all-star games.”
About incoming offensive skill player Cam Seldon, “He’s a freak.” Halzle added that WR Dont’e Thornton gives Tennessee flexibility moving all over the field and is a great speed guy to have.
New #Vols offensive coordinator Joey Halzle says the biggest thing is making the guys understand that just because you’re in Tennessee’s offense doesn’t mean what happened last year is gonna repeat itself. You still have to earn it. pic.twitter.com/bVKBkSsphU
— Reece Van Haaften (@Reece_VH) February 8, 2023
H/T Rocky Top Insider.
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
