Nico will be at UT as a senior

[FBtime]

Congrats. That's literally the only thing you've ever been right about.

Not really even his opinion...EVERYONE said that. Tim Banks said it back in Spring.

 

[apevol]

D4H anytime he falls in love with a player
View attachment 686981

i love this gif

 

[pimo1]

As much as I hate it Nico just ain't that good YET. It's going to take a while based on what I saw at the game last night. I'm not going to regurgitate everything that's already (I'm sure) been posted on this board.

Here's my issue with it and why I had higher expectations.
1. 8 million dollar top shelf QB recruit
2. A supposed "quarterback whisperer" as a head coach

We aren't talking about a 5th year transfer like Milton. I never had high hopes for that guy. This was supposed to be special with Nico. The perfect storm of a highly converted QB and a coach that was a former QB and is supposed to be a guru with them

Anyway there's no way Nico goes pro early. He needs way more work. He can get there I'm sure but I expected him to not look like Milton 2.0 ever in his career.

That's all I'll say in it. Bring on Bama.

People always go back to the exceptions to the rule. Go back and look at most All Pro NFL QB's most of them were not great as freshmen or sophomores. This is the all pros. There are exceptions to the rule but here is something even funnier. Look at QB's that were awesome their first couple of years and most of them are not starting in the NFL if they even made it.

Go ahead name your lists of all world freshmen QB's most of them are on the bench at best in the NFL. My point is really great QB's tend to work their way up. Folks act like Nico is having some terrible year or something. He has thrown 3 picks to 9 td's in his career is completing 65% of his passes and has a rating of 149. To put that in perspective Peyton Manning RTG for his CAREER was 147 the highest heever had in a season was 147.7 (145 as a freshman). Were people saying Peyton would be a 4 year guy? Nope folks were shocked he didn't go after his junior year.

Nico is not the problem the problem is people that don't understand the game having insane expectations of him. A QB is reliant on many other people to put up numbers. Nico does not make a lot of mistakes and plays within the system he is in. In 7 games as a starter how many bone headed moves has the kid made? A few but it's not like he is Payton Thorne or something throwing picks like he's Oprah or fumbling like the ball is made of Kerrygold.

 

[Woodlawn VOL]

Nico will make great strides through the year. Maybe he will stay till he is a senior, that could be a great thing. Merk is going to improve as well. Plus we got another 5 star coming in next year. I like having 3 good young quarterbacks that all have talent. Nico is going to continue to improve, everyone expected instant high light reel success from Nico but in reality that doesn’t happen 99 percent of time. He is still a very talented quarterback that isn’t as far behind as some are portraying either. Some on here expect 50 points every game against sec opponents that just isn’t reality, enjoy the wins no matter how they happen. Football isn’t as easy as fans make it out to be. All 11 not on same page or doing their job can make it tough. But teams get better or they get worse, nothing stays the same. One week teams look great then they next not so much. We’re 5-1, let’s go get the WIN over Bama! GBO

 

[MontyPython]

I'm talking about a player in his second year in the system who is paid millions and millions to perform. He's not just a kid anymore he's a professional football player.

So when you sold lemonade on the corner, you were a professional salesman?

Sit back. Relax. And watch him mature.

 

[Nico ee-ah-MAH-LAY-ah-va]

Nico looked amazing in the first few games until he started getting hit and rattled by SEC defenses. With (hopefully) better line play and more experience, he'll be a really good QB for us.

People forget that Hooker had already started in college at Virginia Tech before getting to UT. And it still took a year playing in the system for him to get to where he was playing the way we expect Nico to play as a redshirt freshman.

COVID super seniors and the glut of transfers made people forget what it looks like to play a QB that is still developing.

 

[UTFranklinVol]

People always go back to the exceptions to the rule. Go back and look at most All Pro NFL QB's most of them were not great as freshmen or sophomores. This is the all pros. There are exceptions to the rule but here is something even funnier. Look at QB's that were awesome their first couple of years and most of them are not starting in the NFL if they even made it.

Go ahead name your lists of all world freshmen QB's most of them are on the bench at best in the NFL. My point is really great QB's tend to work their way up. Folks act like Nico is having some terrible year or something. He has thrown 3 picks to 9 td's in his career is completing 65% of his passes and has a rating of 149. To put that in perspective Peyton Manning RTG for his CAREER was 147 the highest heever had in a season was 147.7 (145 as a freshman). Were people saying Peyton would be a 4 year guy? Nope folks were shocked he didn't go after his junior year.

Nico is not the problem the problem is people that don't understand the game having insane expectations of him. A QB is reliant on many other people to put up numbers. Nico does not make a lot of mistakes and plays within the system he is in. In 7 games as a starter how many bone headed moves has the kid made? A few but it's not like he is Payton Thorne or something throwing picks like he's Oprah or fumbling like the ball is made of Kerrygold.

Here's what I understand. It's a whole new world in the SEC. Too many top level teams on our schedule. You need to put an elite QB on the field every single year now or you will fail. If your 2nd year QB is not elite at this moment then you need to bench him and hit the portal and find another Hendon Hooker to keep the seat warm until he is ready.

I can't say it enough I am almost screaming it these days. YOU CANNOT AFFORD FOR A QB to take years in the field to get to the level we need. They have to develop from the bench and be ready to contribute at an elite level when the ball is turned over to them to lead the team. We don't need a good Vols team next year we need one right now while the whole worlds eyes are on us and Saban is gone. Now now now is the time to strike.

 

[Nico ee-ah-MAH-LAY-ah-va]

Here's what I understand. It's a whole new world in the SEC. Too many top level teams on our schedule. You need to put an elite QB on the field every single year now or you will fail. If your 2nd year QB is not elite at this moment then you need to bench him and hit the portal and find another Hendon Hooker to keep the seat warm until he is ready.

I can't say it enough I am almost screaming it these days. YOU CANNOT AFFORD FOR A QB to take years in the field to get to the level we need. They have to develop from the bench and be ready to contribute at an elite level when the ball is turned over to them to lead the team. We don't need a good Vols team next year we need one right now while the whole world’s eyes are on us and Saban is gone. Now now now is the time to strike.

Good QBs in the portal are an exception not the rule.

You have examples like Burrow also being eventually great, but he had mixed results the first year he stayed at LSU. Hurts also comes to mind but he played 3 years at Bama before transferring to OU.

You can’t just walk into the portal and find a great QB to take you to a championship. Hooker and players like Diego Pavia are outliers.

 

[pimo1]

Here's what I understand. It's a whole new world in the SEC. Too many top level teams on our schedule. You need to put an elite QB on the field every single year now or you will fail. If your 2nd year QB is not elite at this moment then you need to bench him and hit the portal and find another Hendon Hooker to keep the seat warm until he is ready.

I can't say it enough I am almost screaming it these days. YOU CANNOT AFFORD FOR A QB to take years in the field to get to the level we need. They have to develop from the bench and be ready to contribute at an elite level when the ball is turned over to them to lead the team. We don't need a good Vols team next year we need one right now while the whole worlds eyes are on us and Saban is gone. Now now now is the time to strike.

Teams dont have choices in this matter. you have what you have. Nico is a fine QB and there are very few QB's if any id trade for him right now. Maybe Arch.

From your logic you're hitting the portal every year or two because there are very few Elite underclassmen QB's ever. And you'd have to get multiple a year because the ones that transfer have a really high bust rate. You have to build a pipeline over time and UT is in the process of doing that with our current QB signing trends. Merklinger will likely be a redshirt sophomore when his time comes.

 

[jwells]

As much as I hate it Nico just ain't that good YET. It's going to take a while based on what I saw at the game last night. I'm not going to regurgitate everything that's already (I'm sure) been posted on this board.

Here's my issue with it and why I had higher expectations.
1. 8 million dollar top shelf QB recruit
2. A supposed "quarterback whisperer" as a head coach

We aren't talking about a 5th year transfer like Milton. I never had high hopes for that guy. This was supposed to be special with Nico. The perfect storm of a highly converted QB and a coach that was a former QB and is supposed to be a guru with them

Anyway there's no way Nico goes pro early. He needs way more work. He can get there I'm sure but I expected him to not look like Milton 2.0 ever in his career.

That's all I'll say in it. Bring on Bama.

Cool. Another thread completely missing the idea of the symbiotic relationship between QB and OL play.

 

[Mccage]

As much as I hate it Nico just ain't that good YET. It's going to take a while based on what I saw at the game last night. I'm not going to regurgitate everything that's already (I'm sure) been posted on this board.

Here's my issue with it and why I had higher expectations.
1. 8 million dollar top shelf QB recruit
2. A supposed "quarterback whisperer" as a head coach

We aren't talking about a 5th year transfer like Milton. I never had high hopes for that guy. This was supposed to be special with Nico. The perfect storm of a highly converted QB and a coach that was a former QB and is supposed to be a guru with them

Anyway there's no way Nico goes pro early. He needs way more work. He can get there I'm sure but I expected him to not look like Milton 2.0 ever in his career.

That's all I'll say in it. Bring on Bama.

How long you been evaluating College talent?
We’re lucky to have a person with with your insight and expertise!

 

[EastTNVol6240]

There were comparisons of Bryce Young and Tua Tagavaloa.
Young was awesome as a RS Freshman. Tua didn’t RS and made huge plays in the NC game as a true freshman. Had a huge sophomore year.

Both guys in their 2nd years were at the head of the table.

Here’s my problem:
I expressed this concern in spring of 2024. Nico was bigger and faster than he was in HS. But his natural ability to feel the game had seem to diminish from HS.

Just watch his HS tape. He’s NOT staring down WRs. He’s reading the defense quickly and delivering the ball. He only ran for 300 yards as a SR. Are defenses more advanced in college.?
OF COURSE.

But Bryce Young and Tua had to play against those same type of defenses. Especially Bryce in college didn’t have the supporting cast that Tua had…or Nico imo . (Bru, Thornton, Brazzell, Davis, Sampson, we have legit weapons)

So wtf happened?
I’m saying Nico was equally as advanced as both of those guys coming out of HS.
So what’s going on???

Halzle…
I watch him coach Nico and he’s always talking to him after every rep. There’s a such thing as over coaching.

Nico’s instincts and feel are not there anymore. That’s what made him great.

Nico is 2nd guessing every read he sees and never throws it. So then he focuses on one dude determined to feed him and the defense reads his eyes…PICK.

HS and the SEC have nothing in common. It really is that simple.

 

[sami]

Good QBs in the portal are an exception not the rule.

You have examples like Burrow also being eventually great, but he had mixed results the first year he stayed at LSU. Hurts also comes to mind but he played 3 years at Bama before transferring to OU.

You can’t just walk into the portal and find a great QB to take you to a championship. Hooker and players like Diego Pavia are outliers.

Exactly. And what was Hooker when he got here but a flawed, failed QB at Va. Tech? And it isn't as if he was lighting it up in his first year here - a year in the system under CJH's tutelage combined with a stud OL and a couple of big time WR's led to that success.

People that expect that kind of QB play every season are being ridiculously unrealistic, and the idea of going to the portal every season as a replacement for recruiting and developing a super talented kid and taking the growing pains associated with it is asinine. Who do you think is entering the portal? Mostly, it's kids that failed in some way, or kids looking to step up in class that are often dice tolls themselves.

It's really sad that the college game is coming to this, and the development of players is taking a back seat fueled by impatient school administrations and fan bases.

 

[cgrish]

The only things I know at this point is the following:

1. The offense has no rhythm. That could be due to one of many things or a combination. It could be the quarterback, the OL or just that the 11 are not yet playing as a cohesive unit.
2. Nico is not playing like most expected him. It is obvious why Milton was the starter last year. I know some of you will say, well if we had thrown last year under the bus and started Nico he would be better this year - but coaches who want to win just don't do that.
3. Nico must get better quickly otherwise the threads about how the backup is better will start to appear,

Imo Nico is already better than Milton was

 

[cgrish]

Exactly. And what was Hooker when he got here but a flawed, failed QB at Va. Tech? And it isn't as if he was lighting it up in his first year here - a year in the system under CJH's tutelage combined with a stud OL and a couple of big time WR's led to that success.

People that expect that kind of QB play every season are being ridiculously unrealistic, and the idea of going to the portal every season as a replacement for recruiting and developing a super talented kid and taking the growing pains associated with it is asinine. Who do you think is entering the portal? Mostly, it's kids that failed in some way, or kids looking to step up in class that are often dice tolls themselves.

It's really sad that the college game is coming to this, and the development of players is taking a back seat fueled by impatient school administrations and fan bases.

There have been several qb in the portal that have really excelled after transfer. Justin Fields, Rattler, Hooker, Burrow, Hurts, Gabriel

 

[cgrish]

Once CJH picks his guy it's his guy no matter what barring injury

I agree barring injury we have Nico, but I have not lost hope in Nico yet. He still has not played in very many games.

 

[mpfvol]

I agree barring injury we have Nico, but I have not lost hope in Nico yet. He still has not played in very many games.

OH me either he is the best the team has right now the back up isn't even on scholarship . Nico is doing ok not great but ok so hope he learns and grows faster with the speed of the SEC Defenses

 

[swampfoxfan]

As much as I hate it Nico just ain't that good YET. It's going to take a while based on what I saw at the game last night. I'm not going to regurgitate everything that's already (I'm sure) been posted on this board.

Here's my issue with it and why I had higher expectations.
1. 8 million dollar top shelf QB recruit
2. A supposed "quarterback whisperer" as a head coach

We aren't talking about a 5th year transfer like Milton. I never had high hopes for that guy. This was supposed to be special with Nico. The perfect storm of a highly converted QB and a coach that was a former QB and is supposed to be a guru with them

Anyway there's no way Nico goes pro early. He needs way more work. He can get there I'm sure but I expected him to not look like Milton 2.0 ever in his career.

That's all I'll say in it. Bring on Bama.

Just a ray of sunshine

 

[swampfoxfan]

There were comparisons of Bryce Young and Tua Tagavaloa.
Young was awesome as a RS Freshman. Tua didn’t RS and made huge plays in the NC game as a true freshman. Had a huge sophomore year.

Both guys in their 2nd years were at the head of the table.

Here’s my problem:
I expressed this concern in spring of 2024. Nico was bigger and faster than he was in HS. But his natural ability to feel the game had seem to diminish from HS.

Just watch his HS tape. He’s NOT staring down WRs. He’s reading the defense quickly and delivering the ball. He only ran for 300 yards as a SR. Are defenses more advanced in college.?
OF COURSE.

But Bryce Young and Tua had to play against those same type of defenses. Especially Bryce in college didn’t have the supporting cast that Tua had…or Nico imo . (Bru, Thornton, Brazzell, Davis, Sampson, we have legit weapons)

So wtf happened?
I’m saying Nico was equally as advanced as both of those guys coming out of HS.
So what’s going on???

Halzle…
I watch him coach Nico and he’s always talking to him after every rep. There’s a such thing as over coaching.

Nico’s instincts and feel are not there anymore. That’s what made him great.

Nico is 2nd guessing every read he sees and never throws it. So then he focuses on one dude determined to feed him and the defense reads his eyes…PICK.

Too much difference in the O lines talent at Bama and Tennessee, coupled with SEC refs overlooking holds by Bama.

 

[BigOrangeTrain]

People always go back to the exceptions to the rule. Go back and look at most All Pro NFL QB's most of them were not great as freshmen or sophomores. This is the all pros. There are exceptions to the rule but here is something even funnier. Look at QB's that were awesome their first couple of years and most of them are not starting in the NFL if they even made it.

Go ahead name your lists of all world freshmen QB's most of them are on the bench at best in the NFL. My point is really great QB's tend to work their way up. Folks act like Nico is having some terrible year or something. He has thrown 3 picks to 9 td's in his career is completing 65% of his passes and has a rating of 149. To put that in perspective Peyton Manning RTG for his CAREER was 147 the highest heever had in a season was 147.7 (145 as a freshman). Were people saying Peyton would be a 4 year guy? Nope folks were shocked he didn't go after his junior year.

Nico is not the problem the problem is people that don't understand the game having insane expectations of him. A QB is reliant on many other people to put up numbers. Nico does not make a lot of mistakes and plays within the system he is in. In 7 games as a starter how many bone headed moves has the kid made? A few but it's not like he is Payton Thorne or something throwing picks like he's Oprah or fumbling like the ball is made of Kerrygold.

So we shouldn’t expect Nico to be able to pass for over 200 yards a game? We shouldn’t expect him to have over 7 passing TDs at this point in the season? We shouldn’t expect Nico to hit wide open guys? Or be more aware than JG was in the pocket?

Nico has missed several open WRs. He has made quite a few mistakes. Yes there are some fans who had insane expectations for him. But why shouldn’t we expect him to at least be on Milton’s level?

 

[Jaxon_Vol2017]

Not really even his opinion...EVERYONE said that. Tim Banks said it back in Spring.

Touche

 

[SayUWantAreVOLution]

Good QBs in the portal are an exception not the rule.

You have examples like Burrow also being eventually great, but he had mixed results the first year he stayed at LSU. Hurts also comes to mind but he played 3 years at Bama before transferring to OU.

You can’t just walk into the portal and find a great QB to take you to a championship. Hooker and players like Diego Pavia are outliers.

Bo Nix, Quinn Ewers, Dillon Gabriel, Caleb Williams, Cam Ward, Kyle McCord, that Leonard kid at ND come to mind quickly.

I'm sure there are more folks with better memories can come up with. The portal has made good, but poorly used or dissatisfied QBs move on and many to more success.

 

[pimo1]

So we shouldn’t expect Nico to be able to pass for over 200 yards a game? We shouldn’t expect him to have over 7 passing TDs at this point in the season? We shouldn’t expect Nico to hit wide open guys? Or be more aware than JG was in the pocket?

Nico has missed several open WRs. He has made quite a few mistakes. Yes there are some fans who had insane expectations for him. But why shouldn’t we expect him to at least be on Milton’s level?

No one said that.. We shouldnt expect him to not have rookie growing pains. Every Starting QB in college football has missed multiple open WR's every game. People just notice it more when you are not doing well or losing or its your QB.

In the grand scheme Nico does not make a lot of mistakes. he is not overthrowing guys by 5 yards its simple timing and timing is something that comes with TIME and repetition. he has thrown 3 picks all year had one bad fumble. Only 2 QB's in the sEC have as many or more attempts as Nico and fewer interceptions. Both of those guys are Seniors (Brady Cook and Jazson Dart). People act like this guy is out there stinking it up. Nicos current RTG 149.3 is higher than Peyton Mannings best 147.7.

In fact Peytons Freshman numbers were 89 /144 1,141yards 61.8% 11td 6int rushed for -26 and 1 td 3 lost fumbles
Nico so Far 94 /143 1,219 65.7% 7td 3int also 135 rushing yards and 1 rush td 3 lost fumbles

So more accurate, fewer turnovers more yards. Their stats are comparable. So you're Saying Peyton sucked as a Freshman? Or as has been pointed out many times is the pressure and expectations on Nico silly high? I was there we were excited about Peyton no one was complaining. But Peyton was not hyped up the same he wasn't even expected to play that year even though he was just as highly rated out of High school than Nico if not more. Social media has made folks lose their minds. For every Johnny Football there are a thousand Jarret Gurantano,s and Hendon Hookers and Josh Dobbs. In fact most elite QB's start off more like Hendon Hooker than Johnny Manzel.

How is Nico doing Compared to his actual peers? How many of the guys that came in with him are starting or even playing? Folks at like we have a bad record or something. We are still on pace to win 10+ games for the second time in 17 years.

 

[BernardKingGOAT]

I'm talking about a player in his second year in the system who is paid millions and millions to perform. He's not just a kid anymore he's a professional football player.

You constantly double down on your ridiculous takes