Former Georgia Bulldogs player questions if Tennessee Vols QB Nico Iamaleava is physically ready for the SEC

Former Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman David Pollack isn't sure if Tennessee Vols redshirt freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava is physically ready for the grind of an SEC season.

Pollack sent a tweet on Thursday asking fans if they think Tennessee can reach the College Football Playoff.

The former Georgia standout noted that while he thinks Iamaleava has the talent to get Tennessee to the playoff, he wondered if the young quarterback can stay healthy for the entire season.

Pollack also incorrectly pointed out that Tennessee plays at NC State this season (that game will actually be played in Charlotte at Bank of America Stadium, home of the Carolina Panthers).

Iamaleava only has one career start under his belt (against Iowa in the Citrus Bowl), so it's a fair question.

But at the same time, it's not like Iamaleava is a true freshman who arrived on campus a couple of months ago. Iamaleava has been with Tennessee for nearly two years at this point, first joining the Vols in late 2022 for the team's Orange Bowl prep (he also traveled with the team to Miami for the Orange Bowl matchup against Clemson).

Iamaleava's had 20 months in Tennessee's strength and conditioning program. And the results are noticeable.

Iamaleava weight 190 lbs when he arrived at Tennessee. He's now listed at 215 lbs (he said before the start of fall camp that he hopes to get to 220 lbs).

Keeping the starting quarterback healthy is a goal for every college football team that's hoping to make a playoff run this season -- it's certainly not something that's unique to Tennessee.

For now, there's no reason to think that Iamaleava will struggle to stay healthy. If something happens, then Tennessee will deal with it. But until then, it's all systems go for Nico and the Vols as they embark on a journey that they hope ends with a parade through the streets of Knoxville.

Related: Vols insider's comments on Nico Iamaleava during fall camp should get Tennessee fans hyped for the 2024 season