National media outlet names Tennessee Vols' most exciting player ahead of 2024 season

On Thursday, 247Sports named the most exciting player for each top 25 college football team and their choice for the Tennessee Vols wasn't who I expected.

I assumed edge rusher James Pearce would be the choice for the Vols. But instead, 247Sports went with redshirt freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava.

From 247Sports : QB Nico Iamaleava — Edge rusher James Pearce Jr. is a potential No. 1 overall pick, but it is hard to overshadow just how exciting Iamaleava's rise to the starting lineup could be. He has legitimate Heisman buzz after he stunned the nation in his four-touchdown bowl game debut.

Tennessee certainly hopes that Nico proves to be the most exciting player on the roster. If that turns out to be the case, then the Vols' offense will likely be the top offense in the nation once again (as it was in 2022).

Iamaleava showed plenty of promise in his first career start in the Citrus Bowl against Iowa last season. The former five-star recruit completed 12-of-19 passes for 151 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for 27 yards and three touchdowns.

Nico's ability to pick up yards with his legs in the red zone could bring a game-changing element to Tennessee's offense. One of the Vols biggest weaknesses last season was the inability to consistently convert in the red zone (UT was No. 75 in the nation in red zone conversion rate last season after being in the top five in 2022).

Iamaleava's ability to do damage with his legs as well as his accuracy and his elite pocket awareness are certainly traits that could help the California native become one of the most exciting players in the nation.

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