Nico and the future

[J C Higgins]

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!

It isn't guaranteed that he will. One of our best never did. JimmyStreater weighed less than 170 (6' 1" 165).

However, he was fast, had a quick release, had good instincts and made quick decisions which kept him from being hit much.

The flight of Jimmy 'The Bird' Streater

Many University of Tennessee Volunteer football fans knew him as the "Sylva Streak," a name he was given by former Voice of the Vols John Ward. Those of us who

www.stategazette.com

 

[loservol]

I hope

I hope our recruiting improves; there is no reason Auburn, Oklahoma, etc., has been better than us for 2 years in a row. Our average star is 19th, which is uncalled for considering Hugh Freeze is on the hot seat and we have been good the last couple of years. I am not trying to bash the staff, but it needs to get better.

Maybe everyone needs to start bashing his staff, or they are always going to be stuck at home watching the playoffs from the couch with the rest of us.

 

[BADGER_VOL]

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….

Me too exactly same window some muscle some I has to get off after college but I truly matured a jump lol

 

[Backwards K]

Several things holding Nico and the Tennessee offense back at this point:
--Inability to throw an accurate deep ball
--Struggles to pick up blitzes
--Still has a tendency to hold onto the ball too long
--He is not nearly as athletic as Hooker or Milton
--His WR and OL have to give him more help.

Has potential but this is the end of his 2nd year and he needs to step up.

 

[Volanta]

I am not worried about Nico. He is going to be a solid QB for Tennessee. We could be better next year (although our road schedule will be harder).

Yeah I’ve seen him make strides mentally this year too. He threw a beautiful clutch ball to Brazzle towards the end of the end zone during the Bama game. Imagine how much more polished he should be next year.

 

[Volanta]

Not sure what the tone of this question is, but the ‘25 is George Macintyre and the ‘26 is Faizon Brandon.

Nah I’m asking who are the recruits? I’ve been slacking on my recruiting knowledge lately. Work has been insane lol.

 

[rikberry31]

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.

Nico has a better arm than Josh Allen.