3 observations after one week of Tennessee football spring practice, including Nico Iamaleava
© Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel
Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel, center, speaks with quarterback Joe Milton III (7) as quarterback Nico Iamaleava (12) stands to the left during spring football practice on Monday, March 20, 2023.
Tennessee's transfers are capable contributors, and Nico Iamaleava has taken to being Joe Milton's understudy as he learns Josh Heupel's offense.
Those are among the observations that stand out after the Vols' first week of spring practice.
Practice will continue throughout the next few weeks, leading up to the April 15 spring game at Neyland Stadium.
On this edition of "The Volunteer State," Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network and the News Sentinel's Adam Sparks and John Adams identify some key narratives emerging from the Vols' first week of practice.
Those observations include the progress of Iamaleava, a five-star freshman quarterback, and a few veteran transfers.
Here's what stands out:
1. Joe Milton is likely to be Tennessee's starting quarterback.
This shouldn’t come as a shock if you watched Milton excel in Tennessee’s Orange Bowl victory over Clemson.
Milton knows the offense, having been in Heupel’s program since 2021. Iamaleava is getting up to speed. The Vols need to have Iamaleava polished enough to be the backup quarterback by the season opener. We’ve seen in past seasons how the backup QB can be needed at a moment’s notice. But, having a veteran like Milton steer Tennessee into the season is a luxury the Vols won’t ignore.
TOPPMEYER: Joe Milton or Nico Iamaleava for Tennessee football starting quarterback? There's no drama here
ADAMS: Why Tennessee vs. LSU could become big rivalry in all sports
NICO IAMALEAVA:Tennessee football freshman says there's no pressure after NIL deal
Iamaleava is approaching the spring with a great attitude.
“It’s my job to go out there and compete and be ready when my number is called,” he said. “Anything can happen this season. So really, just being like what Joe was to Hendon (Hooker) last year and being prepared whenever my number is called.”
2. Transfers are going to boost the Vols.
Tennessee secured a few Power Five transfers who profile as contributors, even if there are questions attached. Observations on a few of the newcomers:
WR Dont’e Thornton (from Oregon): He looks the part. He runs good routes and has good length. He’s somewhat reminiscent of former Vols transfer JaVonta Payton. But, how much of a role will he seize? He’s Squirrel White’s backup for now, and Bru McCoy or Ramel Keyton also profile as starters. Vols receivers don’t sub out often, because subbing slows Heupel’s up-tempo system.
LB Keenan Pili (from BYU): He’s big (6-3, 235). The fifth-year senior is smart, experienced and mature. How will he transition to the SEC?
CB Gabe Jeudy-Lally (from BYU): Similar to Pili, Jeudy-Lally appears to have all the intangibles. He’s shown leadership skills in practice. Does that mean he can start and elevate UT’s secondary?
3. Nico Iamaleava is not the only freshman to watch.
We shouldn’t put too much stock into “spring practice stars” who haven’t proven themselves in games, but, with that caveat in mind, four-star freshman linebacker Arion Carter looks like he can play sooner than later.
Where to listen to The Volunteer State
Blake Toppmeyer is an SEC Columnist for the USA TODAY Network. Adam Sparks is a Tennessee Vols beat writer for the Knoxville News Sentinel. John Adams is the News Sentinel's senior columnist. You can subscribe to read all their coverage, or check out the SEC Unfiltered newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: 3 observations after one week of Tennessee football spring practice, including Nico Iamaleava
