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Nico Iamaleava

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2023
QB / 6-5.5 / 190

Tennessee

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On3 College Rating
94.00
Natl.
107
QB
12
Recruiting Class of 2023
Natl.
6
QB
3
CA
1
On3 DB / Nico Iamaleava

As a College Recruit

High-upside signal caller who has the best physical tools among quarterbacks in the 2023 cycle as a high school prospect. Has one of the strongest arms in the cycle, generating considerable velocity on his throws in camp settings and on Friday nights. Tall with a slender build at round 6-foot-6, 195 pounds with a 10-inch hand. Has considerable room to fill out. Boasts a whippy throwing motion despite his longer arms. Effortlessly drives the ball downfield while targeting vertical routes. One of the better 7-on-7 quarterbacks we've seen in several cycles, highlighted by a dominant showing at Overtime's OT7 event. A bouncy, fluid mover who doubles as a national-level volleyball player. Uses his twitchy athleticism to evade pass rushers and pick up yards on the ground. Still developing in terms of some technical aspects of the game. Plays in a high school offense that is heavily skewed towards quick passes and screens. Can continue to improve his overall consistency. Competitive player who embraces physicality and contact as a runner. Has done a very good job taking care of the football with just seven interceptions in three varsity varsity seasons. Capped off his high school career with an MVP showing at the Polynesian Bowl, flashing his plus downfield arm and high-end movement skills both as a runner and in evading the pass rush. Will need to add polish at the college level but has immense physical upside.

Reminds Us Of
Justin Herbert Avatar
Justin HerbertQB/6-6/225
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HS Class of 2016
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2020Draft: Rnd1 /Pick6

Like Justin Herbert, Nico Iamaleava is a taller, big-armed quarterback with some of the better natural physical tools we've seen from a quarterback in the last few recruiting cycles. Both check in at over 6-foot-5 and have big arms with the ability to drive the football to all levels of the field. They're also gifted athletically, with the reactive quickness to make plays with their mobility.

Videos

Highlights

Sophomore Year

Scouting Journal

1/20/23

Nico Iamaleava earns MVP honors at Polynesian Bowl

Charles Power

Nico Iamaleava earned offensive MVP honors at the Polynesian Bowl, after completing 13 of 20 passes for 186 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He also rushed for 65 yards on just five attempts. Iamaleava was picked by Utah On300 cornerback signee CJ Blocker on a far hash throw into a stiff headwind on the first drive. He quickly settled in on the next drive, hitting five-star USC wide receiver signee Zachariah Branch on a slant for an electric 39-yard touchdown. Another passing highlight came in the second quarter, with Iamaleava delivering a beautiful deep ball to five-star tight end Duce Robinson. Overall, Iamaleava showed the immense physical tools that led to him finishing as On3’s No. 1 overall prospect in the 2023 cycle. He looks to clearly be the most physically-gifted 2023 quarterback at this stage and is one of the more talented prospects in the cycle, regardless of position. Iamaleava’s big arm showed up in the all-star setting. He easily drove the ball downfield. The arm pairs with a twitchy athleticism – rare for a quarterback of of his size. Iamaleava’s wheels were evident on an explosive 58-yard scramble where he showed considerable burst and a long, smooth stride in the open field. He also effortlessly evaded pressure on a number of occasions, flashing the high-level escapability that contributed to his rise to No. 1 overall.

1/17/23

Nico Iamaleava finishes as On3's No. 1 overall prospect in 2023 cycle

Charles Power

Nico Iamaleava edges out Alabama signee Keon Keeley and Texas quarterback signee Arch Manning as the No. 1 overall prospect in the final On300. The Tennessee signee is a big-armed, twitchy athlete who fares better against pressure than Manning. There is also a little less ambiguity with Iamaleava as we’ve seen him compete and star in a neutral setting, while Manning has been confined strictly to his high school football team while facing varying levels of competition.