Sources: Vols QB Iamaleava to play vs

• Chris Low, ESPN

  • Senior WriterNov 15, 2024, 08:24 PM ET Close College football reporter
  • Signed up with ESPN.com in 2007
  • Graduate of the University of Tennessee

Tennessee’s Nico Iamaleava has been cleared clinically to play Saturday against Georgia and is set to return as the Vols’ beginning quarterback, sources informed ESPN.Iamaleava, a redshirt freshman, missed the 2nd half of the 33-14 win over Mississippi State recently after suffering a blow to the head. He was listed as doubtful previously today on the SEC accessibility report but has actually been removed in the latest report.Iamaleava practiced today, consisting of group durations, and there was optimism amongst the personnel that he was trending in the best direction and would have the ability to play. However the last call was made by medical workers. Iamaleava was taken a look at by medical professionals for what sources told ESPN were concussion-like symptoms after leaving the Mississippi State game. He did not return to the sideline for the 2nd half.Editor’s Picks

1 Associated Tennessee coach Josh Heupel said on Monday that he seemed like Iamaleava would be in “great shape for Saturday” and kept in mind that Iamaleava was with the team previously Monday early morning for meetings and group activities. The Vols’ very first full-blown practice was Tuesday.Iamaleava was having his

most productive outing versus an SEC team this season before leaving the game against Mississippi State. He finished 8 of 13 passes for 174 backyards, no interceptions and a pair of touchdowns as Tennessee constructed a 20-7 halftime lead. In Iamaleava’s previous 5 SEC games, he had accounted for 3 goals and turned it over 5 times. He was also sacked 15 times in those five games.Redshirt senior Gaston Moore substituted Iamaleava in the second half recently and ended up

5-of-8 for 38 backyards without any touchdowns or interceptions.Getting Iamaleava back for the Georgia game is big news for Tennessee, which is best in the middle of the SEC championship race and College Football Playoff picture.Receiver Dont ‘e Thornton(hand)has likewise been okayed to bet Tennessee after earlier being noted as questionable.