Nico Iamaleava | Spring Ball

[Elhanan]

He seems like a legitimately good guy. I really hope this is a breakout year for him.

 

[Volinnooga]

Nico put up almost identical numbers last season as a freshman to Joe Miltons super senior year the season before. That season which got Joe drafted into the NFL...because his career up to that point was mediocre at best. We also made the playoffs for the 1st time ever...AND Nico was by far the most impressive UT player in our playoff game. This despite being tackled 20 times counting sacks and cracking 2 helmets.

I am tired of the small % of our fans bagging on Nico like he was the problem last season. He had a very good year for a freshman. Sure, he overthrew some WRs that would have been TDs in the 3 games leading up to Bama. We also won all those games except vs Arkansas, and Nimrod dropped 2 sure thing TDs himself in that Ark game that would have won it...among others dropping balls, THE worst Oline play I have EVER seen at UT in my 47 years at both Tackle positions etc. Nico didnt lose us the Arkansas game. Nor the UGA game. He played pretty well in both of our regular season losses actually.

I think our fanbase got REALLY spoiled watching Hooker put up 37TDs with only 3INTs...the best season by any UT passer in history bar none...and want to judge every QB by that standard every season. Hooker was also a 22yo Senior playing his 5th year of college ball. Nico was a freshman starting his 1st season of college ball. Totally different scenario. The small % of our fanbase that expects Hooker type seasons every year is gonna be disappointed quite often. Hopefully they keep it to themselves instead of whining here because reality doesnt match their ridiculous expectations...

If you are responding to my post because you think I am "bagging" on Nico, you are wrong. My point was that we hear the same comments every year--about just about everyone during spring practice. I think the reasons are twofold: (1) the players do (or they better) improve, and (2) spring practice ought to be a positive time where veterans get some more experience and d the younger players get some time to shine.
I think he had a good first year; for many, I think expectations were awfully high. It certainly wasn't a potshot at Nico, or at anytone else.

 

[LaagerVol]

Nico put up almost identical numbers last season as a freshman to Joe Miltons super senior year the season before. That season which got Joe drafted into the NFL...because his career up to that point was mediocre at best. We also made the playoffs for the 1st time ever...AND Nico was by far the most impressive UT player in our playoff game. This despite being tackled 20 times counting sacks and cracking 2 helmets.

I am tired of the small % of our fans bagging on Nico like he was the problem last season. He had a very good year for a freshman. Sure, he overthrew some WRs that would have been TDs in the 3 games leading up to Bama. We also won all those games except vs Arkansas, and Nimrod dropped 2 sure thing TDs himself in that Ark game that would have won it...among others dropping balls, THE worst Oline play I have EVER seen at UT in my 47 years at both Tackle positions etc. Nico didnt lose us the Arkansas game. Nor the UGA game. He played pretty well in both of our regular season losses actually.

I think our fanbase got REALLY spoiled watching Hooker put up 37TDs with only 3INTs...the best season by any UT passer in history bar none...and want to judge every QB by that standard every season. Hooker was also a 22yo Senior playing his 5th year of college ball. Nico was a freshman starting his 1st season of college ball. Totally different scenario. The small % of our fanbase that expects Hooker type seasons every year is gonna be disappointed quite often. Hopefully they keep it to themselves instead of whining here because reality doesnt match their ridiculous expectations...

We all know the bold part will never happen lol

 

[HooahVol]

My biggest fear for Nico is still just protection. You can be the greatest qb of all time but still get killed with no offensive line. Fingers crossed we have replaced all the departing lineman well.

 

[SayUWantAreVOLution]

Reading the "Steelers Talk" forum after Russell Wilson left, I'm seeing Nico's name tossed around with Arch as possibilities for the Steelers if they can get through a year with Rudolph. Or Rodgers, if they go that way.

It's really nice to see Nico recognized for his potential and natural gifts. I'm hopeful the young man has the field vision and the time to use that vision this season.

 

[orangebloodgmc]

My biggest fear for Nico is still just protection. You can be the greatest qb of all time but still get killed with no offensive line. Fingers crossed we have replaced all the departing lineman well.

Man, you are not wrong ... but pretty sure our situation is not "no offensive line."