Tennessee concluded spring football practices on April 12 with its annual Orange & White Game. The Orange and White teams tied, 14-14, at Neyland Stadium.
The Vols had two quarterbacks on roster who played in the spring game: redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger and early enrollee freshman George MacIntyre.
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Tennessee was down to two quarterbacks after redshirt sophomore signal-caller Nico Iamaleava did not attend practice on April 11 and the spring game on April 12.
Following the Orange & White Game, fifth-year head coach Josh Heupel discussed when it was apparent that Iamaleava would not be moving forward with the team.
“Friday morning,” Heupel said. “When he was a no-show. You come off the practice field, and there is no communication.”
On Wednesday, Colin Cowherd announced Iamaleava will transfer and play for UCLA.
“I am told — moments ago — Nico Iamaleava is going to UCLA,” Cowherd said. “Family still claims it’s not about the money, it’s about the Vol football offense. I was not told what the Bruins are paying.”
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During spring football on March 12, Iamaleava discussed Tennessee’s offense following the Vols’ third spring practice. The 6-foot-6, 215-pound signal-caller said he was comfortable in Tennessee’s offense during his third spring season under Heupel.
“For me, I think it’s just me knowing the offense well and playing fast,” Iamaleava said. “The more you get comfortable in the offense, it allows you to play free and I think that’s where I’m at right now.”
READ: Former Vols’ coach is OC at UCLA with Iamaleava
Heupel detailed the Vols’ quarterback roster and discussed how Tennessee will look to the NCAA transfer portal to fill Iamaleava’s departure.
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“Anytime your roster has the opportunity to change, that’s in December, that’s in the spring, as we go through the process, you’re always evaluating what you have on your roster, where you’re vulnerable, where numbers might not be right, injuries, whatever,” Heupel said. “You’re trying to get your roster where it needs to be to give yourself the best chance when you get to kick off in the fall. Certainly, with only two scholarship players at the quarterback position, we’re going to have to find another gap.”
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This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: Nico Iamaleava detailed he was comfortable on offense during spring
