Not all Tennessee Vols fans optimistic about quarterback Nico Iamaleva | Adams
Most Tennessee fans are ecstatic that five-star quarterback Nico Iamaleava has committed to the Vols for 2023. But my email group doesn't always follow the herd, as you can tell from my first message.
Mark writes: I do actually hope I am dead wrong about this kid, but I am a firm "Sell." 1st- 2 letters, J and G, ring any bells? 2nd- If John Fulkerson has a more imposing physique than your "SEC" QB, you are in trouble, 3rd- I don't think Peyton would have ever considered showing out in his pajamas throwing wobblers at Bearden High having never accomplished "anything" as a college QB in the SEC.
But, as I said, I hope I am dead wrong, one way or another though, the portal will thin the herd at the QB position for JH and maybe not in a good way. Final thought, 2 years and this kid will be gone.
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My response: You are right about Manning not throwing in pajamas. But this is a different era.
Something else about Manning: He looked terribly thin when he first showed up at UT. Nonetheless, he weathered SEC hits as a freshman and kept building muscle throughout his career.
The difference in Manning’s physique as a freshman and senior was significant.
No matter how many stars a recruit has beside his name – or how rich he becomes through NIL deals – he’s not assured of becoming a star quarterback in college, particularly in the SEC.
However, I would rather take my chances with a five-star than a three-star quarterback.
Jim writes: I only receive the paper four days a week (Friday - Monday) so I missed whatever you wrote about Natchitoches and those glorious Natchitoches Meat Pies. I lived in Natchitoches while attending Northwestern and ate my weight in meat pies. Now you've got me wanting one. As much as I enjoy your columns, I'd trade three months of your column for one Natchitoches Meat Pie.
My response: Meat pies might be more enjoyable, but my columns are healthier – unless you are prone to high blood pressure.
I recently had a Natchitoches meat pie in Gibsland, Louisiana, after seeing the Bonnie and Clyde museum.
I preferred the pie to the museum.
Jack writes: Being a 1970 UTK grad I have had the opportunity of reading you writings for quite a while. I have found you entertaining, thoughtful, exasperating, etc., but most importantly a damn good sports writer.
You have done a great service to UT Athletics for keeping them basically honest and accountable. I thank you for that.
Being from & living in PA, I only wish there would have been someone like you in State College for the past few decades. Able to speak truth to power at Penn State. Maybe, just maybe, Penn State would have been the better for it.
My response: Thanks so much for the complimentary email. Tennessee is faring better now because of improved leadership. So give credit to UT president Randy Boyd and chancellor Donde Plowman.
But if you prefer to give me most of the credit, I don’t have a problem with that. I excel at accepting compliments.
I covered the Pittsburgh Steelers for a year at the Post-Gazette in 1984 but never set foot on the Penn State campus. Unfortunately, Joe Paterno’s program received little media scrutiny.
Lee writes: John, basketball refs calling early two fouls benches a player & can really change the outcome. If NCAA changed rules to allow six fouls before fouling out, would this keep a player in the game, not affect the outcome as much?
My response: I agree. And it also affects the fan experience.
Fans don’t attend games to see star players sit on the bench.
John Adams is a senior columnist. He may be reached at 865-342-6284 or john.adams@knoxnews.com. Follow him at: twitter.com/johnadamskns.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Adams mailbag: Not all Tennessee fans optimistic about Nico Iamaleva
