Florida HC Billy Napier compares Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava to mythical creature ahead of Gators vs Vols showdown

Tennessee Vols quarterback Nico Iamaleava's rough night against the Arkansas Razorbacks isn't changing how Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier feels about the former five-star recruit.

Napier, who will lead his team against the Vols in Knoxville this weekend, spoke to reporters on Monday and he was asked about his thoughts on Iamaleava.

The third year Florida head coach called Iamaleava a "unicorn" while noting that he's still a young player who is gaining experience.

"I mean, he's a unicorn," said Napier. "This guy's 6-foot-6, I don't know how much he weighs, but he's a big athletic -- he's ripping balls in the outset 15 to 20 yards deep. He's throwing all the vertical shots. He's got a big time arm, he's accurate. He can escape [and] extend [plays]. He's just a young player. He's getting experience and he'll continue to get better. But a lot of hype around him and I think on the tape you can see why."

A lot of folks seem to be down on Iamaleava this week because of the way he played in Tennessee's loss to Arkansas this past weekend. There's no doubt that Iamaleava wasn't at his best against the Razorbacks, but that doesn't mean that the outlook for his career has suddenly changed.

Iamaleava is still an extremely talented quarterback with a high ceiling. One bad Saturday shouldn't change how anyone views him as a player. It certainly isn't changing how Napier and the Gators view the young Tennessee quarterback.

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