Five-star prospect Nico Iamaleava says he will be Tennessee’s next quarterback.
If he sticks to his commitment, which he made Monday, it could have a ripple effect throughout the Vols program.
Here are the questions that come to the forefront as coach Josh Heupel and the Vols celebrate Iamaleava’s commitment.
What about Tayven Jackson?
The timing of Iamaleava’s commitment is interesting. It came one day before four-star quarterback Tayven Jackson debuts in UT’s spring practice as an early enrollee.
NICO COMMITS: 5-star quarterback Nico Iamaleava commits to Tennessee football
SPRING PRACTICE: 5 key positions up for grabs at Vols kick off spring practice
On paper, there’s not a lot of difference between Iamaleava and Jackson.
Jackson is a 6-foot-4, 198-pounder who was ranked the No. 13 quarterback in the 2022 class by 247Sports Composite. He is a strong passer with good mobility, but his skills are raw.
Iamaleava is a 6-5, 195-pounder who is ranked No. 4 in the 2023 class. He is a strong passer and dynamic runner, and he’ll likely also need time to adjust to the competition level in the SEC.
Both quarterbacks may be developmental. Iamaleava’s skills are viewed as elite. But Jackson has a one-year head-start in the offense.
It gives the Vols two great young options to replace Hendon Hooker next season. And it lessens the chances that UT will dip into the transfer portal to find a potential starting quarterback next year.
Will Iamaleava headline a top-10 recruiting class for Vols?
Heupel’s first signing class was ranked No. 17 by 247Sports Composite, a solid spot considering the hurdles of an NCAA investigation and COVID-19 protocols that limited in-person recruiting last year.
But Iamaleava’s commitment suddenly makes a top-10 class plausible for the Vols in 2023, beginning with the early signing period in December. They also have commitments from four-star tight end Ethan Davis and three three-star prospects, led by Mount Juliet offensive lineman Ayden Bussell.
Nine of the top-10 schools in the 2022 rankings signed at least one five-star prospect. And only three FBS schools outside the top 10 did that.
Not only does Iamaleava boost the class by his individual grade, but his commitment should attract other top-flight talent. It may be enough to place the Vols in the top 10, where they haven’t been since signing five-star defensive linemen Kahlil McKenzie and Kyle Phillips in 2015.
How will Heupel handle his first five-star quarterback?
Heupel is viewed as a quarterback guru who can turn potential into performance, and that matters to Iamaleava.
In a video announcing his commitment, Iamaleava credited the ability of Heupel, offensive coordinator Alex Golesh and quarterbacks coach Joey Halzle as a critical part of his decision.
But coaching Iamaleava will be uncharted territory for Heupel, who has never signed a five-star quarterback as head coach or the player’s primary recruiter, according to the 247Sports tracker.
At Oklahoma, Heupel developed Sam Bradford and Jason White into Heisman Trophy winners, but neither were five-star signees.
Also as an Oklahoma assistant, he landed six four-star quarterbacks — Keith Nichol (2007), Landry Jones (2008), Blake Bell (2010), Trevor Knight (2011), Cody Thomas (2013) and Justin Hansen (2014). And as UCF’s coach, Heupel signed three-star quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who had a record-breaking career.
Pairing Heupel’s offensive mind with Iamaleava’s talent could be fun to watch.
Reach Adam Sparks at adam.sparks@knoxnews.com and on Twitter @AdamSparks.