Tennessee Vols’ spring practice is generating excitement, with Nico Iamaleava showing strong progress. Expectations for 5-star recruit David Sanders are high as he impresses.

As Tennessee Vols gear up for the 2025 season, the buzz around their spring practice has been palpable. With new faces emerging and returning players showing impressive development, it’s an exciting time in Knoxville. Among the many storylines, two stand out above the rest: the progress of 5-star quarterback recruit Nico Iamaleava and the growing expectations surrounding 5-star offensive lineman David Sanders.

Nico Iamaleava: The Future of Tennessee’s Offense

Nico Iamaleava, a highly touted quarterback prospect from the class of 2023, has been one of the most anticipated players in Tennessee football history. Arriving as the top-ranked quarterback and a 5-star talent, Iamaleava came with sky-high expectations. His recruitment was a significant win for head coach Josh Heupel and the Vols, as he turned down offers from powerhouse programs to join Tennessee’s rebuilding project. His raw talent, arm strength, and mobility had coaches and fans alike excited about what the future could hold.

Despite the early expectations, Iamaleava’s path to starting quarterback has not been a smooth one. During his first year, he faced the natural challenges that come with transitioning to college football. The speed of the game, learning a complex offense, and adjusting to a higher level of competition were hurdles he had to overcome. However, through it all, Nico demonstrated the ability to learn quickly and showcase his potential when given the chance to play.

This spring, Iamaleava has made substantial progress, showing that he is indeed the quarterback of the future for the Tennessee Vols. His performance during practice has been marked by significant improvements in multiple aspects of his game. Here are some key areas where Iamaleava has taken strides:

1. Command of the Offense

In his early days at Tennessee, there were questions about how well Iamaleava could manage Heupel’s fast-paced, high-powered offense. The system relies heavily on timing, rhythm, and the ability to read defenses quickly. As a young quarterback, it took time for Iamaleava to grasp the intricacies of the playbook. However, during the spring practices, his command of the offense has improved noticeably. Coaches have praised his ability to call plays confidently, make quick decisions under pressure, and maintain composure in the huddle.

Iamaleava’s development in this area has been crucial to his progress. The ability to process information quickly and make rapid decisions is essential for running Tennessee’s offense, and Nico has shown he’s ready to take on a larger role in 2025.

2. Improved Footwork and Mechanics

One of the early critiques of Iamaleava’s game was his footwork. While his arm strength has never been in question, inconsistent mechanics sometimes led to inaccurate throws. However, this spring, Nico has worked hard to refine his footwork and improve his throwing motion. His consistency in delivering passes, particularly on the run, has been a noticeable development. Coaches have reported seeing fewer mechanical errors, and his throws have become more accurate, even in high-pressure situations.

This improvement is vital for Iamaleava’s long-term success, as Tennessee’s offense requires a quarterback who can throw with precision, whether it’s a deep shot down the field or a quick pass to a receiver in the flat.

3. Decision-Making Under Pressure

In college football, the ability to make the right decision in the pocket can make or break a quarterback. One of the areas where Iamaleava struggled early on was his decision-making when pressured. As a young player, he sometimes held onto the ball too long or forced passes into tight windows, resulting in turnovers or missed opportunities. However, during spring practices, he has shown significant growth in this area. Iamaleava has been praised for his ability to make quick, smart decisions when facing pressure from the defense, whether it’s finding an open receiver or making a checkdown throw.

This skill is crucial in Heupel’s offense, where quick reads and fast decisions can lead to big plays. If Iamaleava continues to develop in this area, he could become one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the SEC.

4. Leadership and Maturity

Despite being a relatively young player, Iamaleava has shown maturity beyond his years, both on and off the field. His leadership qualities have shone through during spring practices, as he has been actively involved in helping his teammates learn the offense and improve their own skills. Nico has developed a strong rapport with the wide receivers and has even earned the respect of the upperclassmen.

Leadership is an essential trait for any quarterback, especially in a high-profile program like Tennessee. As Iamaleava continues to grow as a leader, his influence on the team will only increase, and his ability to rally the troops could be one of the factors that propels the Vols to greater heights in 2025.

David Sanders: High Expectations for Tennessee’s Next Superstar

While much of the focus during spring practice has been on the development of Iamaleava, another player is quickly becoming a key figure in Tennessee’s future—David Sanders. The 5-star offensive tackle from the 2025 recruiting class has already earned a reputation as one of the most physically gifted offensive linemen in the country. Standing at 6’6” and weighing 310 pounds, Sanders has the frame, strength, and agility that make him a future first-round NFL draft pick. But it’s his technique and work ethic that have coaches and analysts even more excited about his potential.

Tennessee has had some impressive offensive line talent in recent years, but Sanders has the chance to take the unit to the next level. Here’s what makes Sanders such a highly anticipated prospect:

1. Elite Physical Tools

Sanders’ combination of size, strength, and athleticism is rare, even at the college level. He’s a powerful lineman who can anchor against powerful defensive linemen but also has the agility to move quickly in space. His footwork is one of the most polished aspects of his game for someone so young, which gives him the ability to excel both in run blocking and pass protection. He’s been compared to some of the best offensive line prospects in recent memory, and many believe he could make an immediate impact at the college level.

As Tennessee’s offensive line coach continues to work with Sanders, it’s clear that his physical talent is only part of the equation. The coaching staff will focus on refining his technique and ensuring that he can perform at the highest level in the SEC.

2. Work Ethic and Drive

One of the most appealing aspects of Sanders’ game is his work ethic. Despite being a 5-star prospect, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to improving his craft. Coaches have noted his relentless approach to training and his willingness to learn. He’s known for taking feedback well and working tirelessly to improve weaknesses in his game. Sanders’ determination to develop into the best version of himself bodes well for his future at Tennessee and beyond.

In addition to his dedication on the field, Sanders has also shown leadership qualities in the locker room, offering guidance to younger players and acting as a mentor. His maturity and focus are uncommon for a player of his age, and it’s clear that he’s ready to take on a significant role early in his career.

3. Potential to Anchor Tennessee’s Offensive Line

One of the most pressing needs for Tennessee in the coming years will be fortifying the offensive line. While they’ve had some solid performances in recent seasons, the Vols need to continue to improve their line play if they want to compete at the highest level in the SEC. Sanders has the potential to be the anchor of that offensive line for the next few years. His size and ability to both pass protect and pave the way for the run game could make him one of the most dominant offensive linemen in the country.

If he lives up to the immense expectations, Sanders could help take Tennessee’s offense to another level, allowing playmakers like Iamaleava, running backs, and wide receivers to thrive.

Looking Ahead

As spring practice rolls on, the progress of both Nico Iamaleava and David Sanders is a major point of focus for Tennessee Vols fans. While Iamaleava looks like he’s on the verge of becoming the quarterback Tennessee has been waiting for, Sanders has the potential to dominate the offensive line for years to come. With both players developing at a rapid pace, Tennessee’s future looks brighter than ever.

If these two players continue to progress and live up to their potential, the Tennessee Vols could find themselves competing at the highest level in the SEC and beyond, ushering in a new era of football in Knoxville.