Nico and the future

#1
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Volanta

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#1
A lot of you might not know this, but I’m a former strength athlete, mainly in powerlifting. I’ve always been fascinated by strength and conditioning — whether it’s reading about it, performing it, or just watching athletes develop. That’s why I can’t help but think about the incredible potential of our quarterback, Nico Iamaleava.

At 6’6” and roughly 216 pounds (thanks, Google), he’s already a physical specimen. But as I watch him play, I can’t help but imagine what he could be like if we added another 15 to 20 pounds of solid muscle to his frame. His dad looks like a massive dude, so I’d bet Nico has the genetics to fill out in all the right ways. If the staff can help him build that strength while maintaining his agility and running ability, I think we’re in for an exciting future with this young man. The sky’s the limit for him in this offense. Go Vols!
 
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#2
#2
Volanta said:
A lot of you might not know this, but I’m a former strength athlete, mainly in powerlifting. I’ve always been fascinated by strength and conditioning — whether it’s reading about it, performing it, or just watching athletes develop. That’s why I can’t help but think about the incredible potential of our quarterback, Nico Iamaleava.

At 6’6” and roughly 216 pounds (thanks, Google), he’s already a physical specimen. But as I watch him play, I can’t help but imagine what he could be like if we added another 15 to 20 pounds of solid muscle to his frame. His dad looks like a massive dude, so I’d bet Nico has the genetics to fill out in all the right ways. If the staff can help him build that strength while maintaining his agility and running ability, I think we’re in for an exciting future with this young man. The sky’s the limit for him in this offense. Go Vols!
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He’ll gain more as he matures into his body. I’ve trained HS Athletes for many years and guys in HS (most) struggle to gain weight. Get them to age 20-22 and eating the same and lifting pretty close to the same most take a huge leap in their ability to build muscle.

I’d be shocked if he doesn’t add another 10-15 this coming year for sure.

But I can’t say how much I agree with you 100%
 
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#4
#4
He could become Josh Allen like IF he puts on 25 pounds of muscle. Not saying he will -
But he has the frame for it.

My concern is oline play. Not good this year at times - especially against SEC teams in road games.

Losing Mays is a major concern. I’m not sure we have what we need to succeed next year with oline play.

Also - until the line and Nico can go up tempo . . . This offense will be limited. Not up tempo makes this a MUCH easier offense to defend.

We are now on year two of a pedestrian offense. A third year of this . . . And recruits will notice.
 
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#7
#7
BigOrangeTrain said:
Nico will definitely be much better next year. I think he could be one of the nations best QBs next year. My only worries are the WRs and especially the center position. Our WRs have to get better. And replacing Coop is going to be HUGE for the offense next year.
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I am also worried about that. The current staff has not hit on a high school WR or an offensive lineman. I am not bashing the staff, just telling the truth.
 
#8
#8
Speaking of tempo, why was Tenn running such uptempo when the defense was so thin at talent an making the starters play 50-60 snaps a game, and now with depth, they are running the clock down before every snap?
It’s been a very good year, but in all honesty, Ala is the only top tier team we have beaten. Although few teams have that many top tier teams on their schedule. Ga is definitely an exception this year. Actually Texas’ best win so far is Vandy.
 
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#10
#10
Volosaurus rex said:
Peyton wasn't as thin as Nico when he arrived at Tennessee, but he really is an excellent template for projecting the degree of transformation that Nico's physique can achieve. Shuler, on the other hand, was already packing a lot more muscle mass than Peyton or Nico when he arrived on campus.
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Peyton was very lanky. Jayden Daniels was very lanky at LSU.
 
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#11
#11
a vol n tears said:
Speaking of tempo, why was Tenn running such uptempo when the defense was so thin at talent an making the starters play 50-60 snaps a game, and now with depth, they are running the clock down before every snap?
It’s been a very good year, but in all honesty, Ala is the only top tier team we have beaten. Although few teams have that many top tier teams on their schedule. Ga is definitely an exception this year. Actually Texas’ best win so far is Vandy.
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Nico’s youth
 
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#16
#16
Nico has definitely made strides this year and is going to be much better next year. But the OL is going to be a huge concern. Losing a lot of experienced guys that haven't been great other than Cooper. Spraggins has been slightly above average while everyone else is just average. The inability to develop guys over the 4 years they've been there so far is troubling.
 
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#17
#17
BigOrangeTrain said:
Nico will definitely be much better next year. I think he could be one of the nations best QBs next year. My only worries are the WRs and especially the center position. Our WRs have to get better. And replacing Coop is going to be HUGE for the offense next year.
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I'm not as worried about OL...think we'll hit the portal hard on them. Will do so w/ WRs too, but disappointing that guys like Thorton didn't excel this year. As good as our OL has been on run blocking, in big matchups, our pass protection has been suspect, which hasn't helped. Just don't understand why Matthews hasn't seen the field more...hope he doesn't get frustrated and transfer. Think we need some real speed guys, as our "big body" WRs generally just haven't gotten separation. TE's have been a nice wrinkle add to the pass game though.
 
#19
#19
BADGER_VOL said:
He’ll gain more as he matures into his body. I’ve trained HS Athletes for many years and guys in HS (most) struggle to gain weight. Get them to age 20-22 and eating the same and lifting pretty close to the same most take a huge leap in their ability to build muscle.

I’d be shocked if he doesn’t add another 10-15 this coming year for sure.

But I can’t say how much I agree with you 100%
Click to expand...

To your point, I was a skinny kid in high school and gained 25 pounds in my first two years in college. And, unfortunately, a few more after that….
 
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#23
#23
volfanhill said:
He has to find touch on his deep ball. If not he could lose his job over the next two years. Competition incoming
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He won’t lose his job, but he’ll get pushed. Merklinger has talent, and GMac looks like he came from the same qb factory Nico did: 6’6” athlete with a release that looks like a dang crossbow.
 
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#25
#25
Strength/weight will give Nico more confidence as I think he’s a little contact shy. He made a couple very determined runs vs Georgia so that was encouraging.

Nico needs mostly to improve on his reads and progressions. It’s a struggle for him right now and he’s reacting rather than anticipating. The fast tempo is working against him. When we hurry to the line to run the next play, teams have learned to just “bring the house” and confuse him. We really didn’t know how exceptional the Hendon/Hyatt season was until now. I’m afraid that kind of efficiency and production is going to be very rare. That’s why it’s so frustrating to not see Heupel adjust to what his players can do best.
 
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