Nico Iamaleava makes first appearance at QB for Tennessee, leads immediate scoring drive
By Ethan Stone
Published:
Nico Iamaleava, Tennessee’s prized former 5-star QB prospect, made his first appearance in a Tennessee uniform Saturday afternoon.
The talented QB out of Long Beach, California entered in relief of Joe Milton, who had a good start for the Vols through the first 3 quarters of the season. He didn’t do anything crazy out of the gate but did immediately lead a scoring drive for Tennessee.
Iamaleava completed 1 of 2 throws for 6 yards. The drive finished with Dylan Sampson in the end zone for his 4th touchdown of the afternoon.
The former 5-star prospect is in the game because the Vols have obliterated Virginia thus far. Tennessee scored on their first drive, stumbled slightly, then continued their old ways to end the first half. They now lead Virginia 49-10 with 6:30 remaining.
Milton’s efficacy at the helm of this Tennessee offense will come to decide a lot for the Vols this season. The former Michigan transfer had some early hiccups but will finish Saturday having thrown for 201 yards with 2 passing touchdowns and 2 rushing touchdowns, completing 21 of his 30 passes against a bad Hoos secondary.
Expect to see Iamaleava in the 4th quarter a lot this season, Vols fans.
Great stuff from Joe Milton.
After Tennessee’s scoring drive, he comes over to coach up Nico Iamaleava. pic.twitter.com/x3DNEGA7J5
— Connor O’Gara (@cjogara) September 2, 2023
Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.
