Young Talent Eager to Showcase Ability in Cheez-It Citrus Bowl
December 28, 2023 | Football
ORLANDO – No. 21 Tennessee held its first padded practice in Orlando on Thursday afternoon as preparations continue for its ranked matchup against No. 17 Iowa in the 2024 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on Monday, Jan. 1 at Camping World Stadium.
Four players met with the media following Thursday's practice at UCF to take about their excitement for the contest against the Big Ten West champion Hawkeyes.
Among the players that spoke was freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who talked about his preparation process and the excitement about making his first career start.
"I don't think it's changed too much," Iamaleava said in regard to how he's gone about preparing for the bowl game. "I've taken every week like I'm going into the game as a starter. Just in the back of my head getting reps in because anything can happen with Joe, so I think I've gone into pretty much every game with the same mindset and same process."
Iamaleava was also quick to mention how much the mentorship of Joe Milton III has helped him since he stepped foot on campus last December.
"Huge man. This whole season Joe took me under his wing, and I've learned so much from Joe. You guys don't even know. Just still having him here with this bowl prep and having him out here in Orlando with us has been fun."
Another position that will have an influx of young talent playing in the bowl game is running back, where sophomore Dylan Sampson is ready to step into a starting role after the announcement that neither Jaylen Wright nor Jabari Small would play in the game.
"You know, I'm just blessed. It's time to go to work," Sampson said. "It has been something I've been preparing for my whole time that I've been here. So, I'm ready to go to work. Mindset has been the same, just be dominant. Go out there and show them who I am."
On the other side of the ball, the Vols' defensive line has received some big boosts with a handful of veterans having decided to return next season. Among those is redshirt junior defensive tackle Bryson Eason, who talked about his eagerness to be back next year.
"It's just a great feeling to know that those guys are coming back, as well as myself, just to come back and help each other," Eason said. "We're just going to feed off of each other and just try to help out our game as best as we can this offseason. Just enjoy each other, and like I said earlier, get a lot done in the offseason."
Senior safety Jaylen McCollough was the final player to meet with the media on Thursday and talked about how his career has come full circle after ending his high school career in Orlando in the Under Armour All-America game.
McCollough, who will become Tennessee's career leader in games started with 51 when he takes the field at Camping World Stadium on Monday, reflected on his time wearing the Orange and White. Â
"I would say dedication," McCollough said when asked to describe his UT career in one word. "Throughout the recruiting process my dad told me to commit to a school, not a coaching staff or a scheme, commit to a school. I fell in love with Tennessee and said this is my home. Trusting the process, staying down and trusting the people around me, it has all paid off for me, 51 starts later." Â
The Vols will treat Friday's practice like a "Wednesday" of game week. That practice is open to the public at UCF.
Videos and player quotes from Thursday's media availabilities can be seen below.
"I don't think it's changed too much. I've taken every week like I'm going into the game as a starter. Just in the back of my head getting reps in because anything can happen with Joe (Milton III), so I think I've gone into pretty much every game with the same mindset and same process."
On his excitement but also the challenge of facing a really good defense in his first start…
"Yeah, it should be good man. My first start going up against a top-five defense, I'm ready for the challenge and I'm ready to go out there and compete with my brothers."
On how beneficial it's been to have Joe Milton III around as he prepares for the bowl game…
"Huge man. This whole season Joe took me under his wing, and I've learned so much from Joe. You guys don't even know. Just still having him here with this bowl prep and having him out here in Orlando with us has been fun."
On how much the game has slowed down for him since spring practice…
"A lot man. I think it was just me learning the playbook first and I knew everything was going to slow down as soon as I got the offense down. I think going into (this) spring, the game will be different than last spring for sure."
On how he feel like his game as grown from this time last year to now…
"Really, just as a quarterback and as a man, I think I've grown huge over this past season. I've got a lot of cool guys in the room to help me out with coach Heup (Josh Heupel) and coach Joey (Halzle), so really just been appreciative of the support they've given me. I've grown in so many ways."
On important it's been for him to have a full year to grow into this role as the starting quarterback…
"Huge man. Going into the season, just having Joe (Milton III), I knew I was going to be able to learn, learn a lot, learn how to be a college football player, learn how to be a pro, so it was huge for me to learn under Joe this year."
On if he feels like he needs to take on more of a leadership role for the bowl game or just needs to focus on playing well…
"I think as a quarterback you have to come with everything. Quarterback comes with leadership, a quarterback comes with playing well. Going into the game, I think I've always tried to lead. As a quarterback that's what you've got to do, you're the leader of the team."
On how much confidence having veteran players like Cooper Mays on the offensive line gives him…
"A lot of confidence. I've got a lot of confidence in all my guys out there, but Coop (Cooper Mays) coming back and playing this game with me has been huge."
On how he thinks his teammates have responded to him stepping in as the starting quarterback…
"I think they responded well when coach Heup (Josh Heupel) told them. I've tried to be good with all the guys during my time here, so I think I've built good relationships with all the guys throughout the season."
On when he found out he would be the starter for the bowl game…
"Right when we got into bowl prep, around Christmas time."
On what his feelings were like when he found out he would be starting the bowl game…
"Oh, I was excited man. I get to go out there and showcase my talents as a starter, so it should be fun."
 On what he's improved on since he's been with the program…
"I think just seeing defenses better. That was a huge thing for me. I really wanted to learn coverages and just break down defenses. I think in high school, I let a lot of my skill and talent take over. When I got to this level and really just learning defenses and where bodies are going has been huge for me."
On how he would describe his game to people who haven't seen him play…
"Yeah man, I love Bryce (Young). I think I've got a little bit of his game. I think I've got a little bit of Joe's game. I think, just overall, I can do everything on the field."
On his familiarity with the wide receivers…
"It's good. I get a lot of practice reps in with all the guys, Kaleb (Webb), Chas (Nimrod), Squirrel (White), so them stepping up, I think they've been ready to take on this role."
On how much of an advantage it is that he has extra time to prepare for this game…
"I think it's a big advantage. You're just itching to play at this point just because we've been off for so long, but I think it's definitely a huge advantage. You see it every day and I think it'll help you dissect stuff better."
On what stands out about Iowa's defense on film…
"They're very disciplined and they make tackles in the open field. I think they're just a very disciplined team that does their job well. From starting up front and going to their back end, I think they all do their job pretty well."
On what makes Joe Milton III an easy guy to learn from…
"Joe is just an open book. I can ask him anything. He has no problem giving me the answer. He's been there for me since Day 1, so I really appreciate Joe."
On his relationship with Bru McCoy and how big it would be to potentially get him back next year…
"Yeah man, I'm trying to get Bru back. It's huge man. I think a guy like that coming back could be the leader of the receiver room. We'll be a little young next year, so just him coming back would be huge for me and I'm working on it."
On if this game could be a way to vault into next season…
"Yeah definitely. Coach Heupel always says this is the beginning of our 2024 season, so just going into this game, everybody is looking at it really as the first game of our year. It's been huge and we're looking forward to 2024."
On how he intends to shake off mistakes or miscues during his first start…
"I think it's very easy. I have always been a next-play type guy, so I know I'm going to go out there and try not to make any mistakes but if it comes, it comes. I have to have a next play mentality and get my guys ready for that."
On his parents reactions to finding out he is starting the bowl game…
"Yeah, my parents were just excited to see me go out there and play. I think a lot of my brothers and sisters are excited, too. So yeah, they are all just excited and happy to see me play."
On if he has put any weight on during the season and how…
"Yeah, I have been able to put some good weight on. I think I put on 15 pounds since I have been here. I have been able to put some good weight on. Protein shakes every day, you got to drink them. PB&J at night and yeah that is pretty much it."
On what is he most looking forward to showcasing in the bow game…
"I'm just looking forward to going out there and getting a win. That's really all I'm looking forward to. However it comes, as long as we come out with a win, I think we'll be fine."
"You know, I'm just blessed. It's time to go to work. It has been something I've been preparing for my whole time that I've been here. So, I'm ready to go to work. Mindset has been the same, just be dominant. Go out there and show them who I am."
On how excited he is for the younger running backs to get more work…
"Cam (Cameron) Seldon as well as Khalifa (Keith), they both are going to take a step up. They will be ready. They're athletic and you know they're going to put it on film and show it on TV. Man, I'm excited for them. If they have questions, we help each other out. Man, you all are going to see flashes from them, some real athleticism and smart plays from them."
On if his leadership role in the running backs room has changed…
"It hasn't been that different. Obviously, you are missing Jabari (Small) and J (Jaylen) Wright, two main pieces, but it's just continuing to do what I've been doing and empathizing more in helping them (Khalifa Keith and Cameron Seldon) become leaders. At the end of the day that's the goal, helping out other people elevate to that status. It's just continuing to do what I've been doing, trying to help this team."
"It was just a great feeling for one, it just gave me a lot of confidence going into this season. It let me know that I can do this and just help the team and be productive in every which way. It was a great jump and a great feeling, it just helped me out a lot with confidence."
On what the process was like for him to see other teammates coming back next year as well as himself…
"It's just a great feeling to know that those guys are coming back, as well as myself, just to come back and help each other. We're just going to feed off of each other and just try to help out our game as best as we can this offseason. Just enjoy each other, and like I said earlier, get a lot done in the offseason."
On how he has seen Nico Iamaleava's skill set develop since he got to Tennessee…
"Just how fast he plays and how quick he makes his decisions, and he has the right decisions. Just little things like that. You can just watch and see his improvement each and every day."
"I would say dedication. Throughout the recruiting process my dad told me to commit to a school, not a coaching staff or a scheme, commit to a school. I fell in love with Tennessee and said this is my home. Trusting the process, staying down and trusting the people around me, it has all paid off for me, 51 starts later." Â
On what wearing the orange and white has meant to him…
"Man, playing around some great people. On and off the field, it's about the people and the relationships I built. The memories I made on the field and off the field will last a lifetime."
On how he plans to lead the young secondary players during the bowl game…
"Those guys will be fine. They have been prepping all year for their opportunity and moment. As far as your question, I don't have to do anything special. Just continue to lead, continue to trust in my teammates and continue to do what we have been doing all year."
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Four players met with the media following Thursday's practice at UCF to take about their excitement for the contest against the Big Ten West champion Hawkeyes.
Among the players that spoke was freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who talked about his preparation process and the excitement about making his first career start.
"I don't think it's changed too much," Iamaleava said in regard to how he's gone about preparing for the bowl game. "I've taken every week like I'm going into the game as a starter. Just in the back of my head getting reps in because anything can happen with Joe, so I think I've gone into pretty much every game with the same mindset and same process."
Iamaleava was also quick to mention how much the mentorship of Joe Milton III has helped him since he stepped foot on campus last December.
"Huge man. This whole season Joe took me under his wing, and I've learned so much from Joe. You guys don't even know. Just still having him here with this bowl prep and having him out here in Orlando with us has been fun."
Another position that will have an influx of young talent playing in the bowl game is running back, where sophomore Dylan Sampson is ready to step into a starting role after the announcement that neither Jaylen Wright nor Jabari Small would play in the game.
"You know, I'm just blessed. It's time to go to work," Sampson said. "It has been something I've been preparing for my whole time that I've been here. So, I'm ready to go to work. Mindset has been the same, just be dominant. Go out there and show them who I am."
On the other side of the ball, the Vols' defensive line has received some big boosts with a handful of veterans having decided to return next season. Among those is redshirt junior defensive tackle Bryson Eason, who talked about his eagerness to be back next year.
"It's just a great feeling to know that those guys are coming back, as well as myself, just to come back and help each other," Eason said. "We're just going to feed off of each other and just try to help out our game as best as we can this offseason. Just enjoy each other, and like I said earlier, get a lot done in the offseason."
Senior safety Jaylen McCollough was the final player to meet with the media on Thursday and talked about how his career has come full circle after ending his high school career in Orlando in the Under Armour All-America game.
McCollough, who will become Tennessee's career leader in games started with 51 when he takes the field at Camping World Stadium on Monday, reflected on his time wearing the Orange and White. Â
"I would say dedication," McCollough said when asked to describe his UT career in one word. "Throughout the recruiting process my dad told me to commit to a school, not a coaching staff or a scheme, commit to a school. I fell in love with Tennessee and said this is my home. Trusting the process, staying down and trusting the people around me, it has all paid off for me, 51 starts later." Â
The Vols will treat Friday's practice like a "Wednesday" of game week. That practice is open to the public at UCF.
Videos and player quotes from Thursday's media availabilities can be seen below.
Freshman QB Nico Iamaleava
On getting his first start and what his preparation has been like…"I don't think it's changed too much. I've taken every week like I'm going into the game as a starter. Just in the back of my head getting reps in because anything can happen with Joe (Milton III), so I think I've gone into pretty much every game with the same mindset and same process."
On his excitement but also the challenge of facing a really good defense in his first start…
"Yeah, it should be good man. My first start going up against a top-five defense, I'm ready for the challenge and I'm ready to go out there and compete with my brothers."
On how beneficial it's been to have Joe Milton III around as he prepares for the bowl game…
"Huge man. This whole season Joe took me under his wing, and I've learned so much from Joe. You guys don't even know. Just still having him here with this bowl prep and having him out here in Orlando with us has been fun."
On how much the game has slowed down for him since spring practice…
"A lot man. I think it was just me learning the playbook first and I knew everything was going to slow down as soon as I got the offense down. I think going into (this) spring, the game will be different than last spring for sure."
On how he feel like his game as grown from this time last year to now…
"Really, just as a quarterback and as a man, I think I've grown huge over this past season. I've got a lot of cool guys in the room to help me out with coach Heup (Josh Heupel) and coach Joey (Halzle), so really just been appreciative of the support they've given me. I've grown in so many ways."
On important it's been for him to have a full year to grow into this role as the starting quarterback…
"Huge man. Going into the season, just having Joe (Milton III), I knew I was going to be able to learn, learn a lot, learn how to be a college football player, learn how to be a pro, so it was huge for me to learn under Joe this year."
On if he feels like he needs to take on more of a leadership role for the bowl game or just needs to focus on playing well…
"I think as a quarterback you have to come with everything. Quarterback comes with leadership, a quarterback comes with playing well. Going into the game, I think I've always tried to lead. As a quarterback that's what you've got to do, you're the leader of the team."
On how much confidence having veteran players like Cooper Mays on the offensive line gives him…
"A lot of confidence. I've got a lot of confidence in all my guys out there, but Coop (Cooper Mays) coming back and playing this game with me has been huge."
On how he thinks his teammates have responded to him stepping in as the starting quarterback…
"I think they responded well when coach Heup (Josh Heupel) told them. I've tried to be good with all the guys during my time here, so I think I've built good relationships with all the guys throughout the season."
On when he found out he would be the starter for the bowl game…
"Right when we got into bowl prep, around Christmas time."
On what his feelings were like when he found out he would be starting the bowl game…
"Oh, I was excited man. I get to go out there and showcase my talents as a starter, so it should be fun."
 On what he's improved on since he's been with the program…
"I think just seeing defenses better. That was a huge thing for me. I really wanted to learn coverages and just break down defenses. I think in high school, I let a lot of my skill and talent take over. When I got to this level and really just learning defenses and where bodies are going has been huge for me."
On how he would describe his game to people who haven't seen him play…
"Yeah man, I love Bryce (Young). I think I've got a little bit of his game. I think I've got a little bit of Joe's game. I think, just overall, I can do everything on the field."
On his familiarity with the wide receivers…
"It's good. I get a lot of practice reps in with all the guys, Kaleb (Webb), Chas (Nimrod), Squirrel (White), so them stepping up, I think they've been ready to take on this role."
On how much of an advantage it is that he has extra time to prepare for this game…
"I think it's a big advantage. You're just itching to play at this point just because we've been off for so long, but I think it's definitely a huge advantage. You see it every day and I think it'll help you dissect stuff better."
On what stands out about Iowa's defense on film…
"They're very disciplined and they make tackles in the open field. I think they're just a very disciplined team that does their job well. From starting up front and going to their back end, I think they all do their job pretty well."
On what makes Joe Milton III an easy guy to learn from…
"Joe is just an open book. I can ask him anything. He has no problem giving me the answer. He's been there for me since Day 1, so I really appreciate Joe."
On his relationship with Bru McCoy and how big it would be to potentially get him back next year…
"Yeah man, I'm trying to get Bru back. It's huge man. I think a guy like that coming back could be the leader of the receiver room. We'll be a little young next year, so just him coming back would be huge for me and I'm working on it."
On if this game could be a way to vault into next season…
"Yeah definitely. Coach Heupel always says this is the beginning of our 2024 season, so just going into this game, everybody is looking at it really as the first game of our year. It's been huge and we're looking forward to 2024."
On how he intends to shake off mistakes or miscues during his first start…
"I think it's very easy. I have always been a next-play type guy, so I know I'm going to go out there and try not to make any mistakes but if it comes, it comes. I have to have a next play mentality and get my guys ready for that."
On his parents reactions to finding out he is starting the bowl game…
"Yeah, my parents were just excited to see me go out there and play. I think a lot of my brothers and sisters are excited, too. So yeah, they are all just excited and happy to see me play."
On if he has put any weight on during the season and how…
"Yeah, I have been able to put some good weight on. I think I put on 15 pounds since I have been here. I have been able to put some good weight on. Protein shakes every day, you got to drink them. PB&J at night and yeah that is pretty much it."
On what is he most looking forward to showcasing in the bow game…
"I'm just looking forward to going out there and getting a win. That's really all I'm looking forward to. However it comes, as long as we come out with a win, I think we'll be fine."
Sophomore RB Dylan Sampson
On getting his first career start at the Cheez-it Citrus Bowl…"You know, I'm just blessed. It's time to go to work. It has been something I've been preparing for my whole time that I've been here. So, I'm ready to go to work. Mindset has been the same, just be dominant. Go out there and show them who I am."
On how excited he is for the younger running backs to get more work…
"Cam (Cameron) Seldon as well as Khalifa (Keith), they both are going to take a step up. They will be ready. They're athletic and you know they're going to put it on film and show it on TV. Man, I'm excited for them. If they have questions, we help each other out. Man, you all are going to see flashes from them, some real athleticism and smart plays from them."
On if his leadership role in the running backs room has changed…
"It hasn't been that different. Obviously, you are missing Jabari (Small) and J (Jaylen) Wright, two main pieces, but it's just continuing to do what I've been doing and empathizing more in helping them (Khalifa Keith and Cameron Seldon) become leaders. At the end of the day that's the goal, helping out other people elevate to that status. It's just continuing to do what I've been doing, trying to help this team."
RS-Junior DL Bryson Eason
On if his first start at last year's bowl game helped shape him into the player he is today…"It was just a great feeling for one, it just gave me a lot of confidence going into this season. It let me know that I can do this and just help the team and be productive in every which way. It was a great jump and a great feeling, it just helped me out a lot with confidence."
On what the process was like for him to see other teammates coming back next year as well as himself…
"It's just a great feeling to know that those guys are coming back, as well as myself, just to come back and help each other. We're just going to feed off of each other and just try to help out our game as best as we can this offseason. Just enjoy each other, and like I said earlier, get a lot done in the offseason."
On how he has seen Nico Iamaleava's skill set develop since he got to Tennessee…
"Just how fast he plays and how quick he makes his decisions, and he has the right decisions. Just little things like that. You can just watch and see his improvement each and every day."
Senior S Jaylen McCollough
On how his time at Tennessee has changed throughout the years and if he can describe it with one word…"I would say dedication. Throughout the recruiting process my dad told me to commit to a school, not a coaching staff or a scheme, commit to a school. I fell in love with Tennessee and said this is my home. Trusting the process, staying down and trusting the people around me, it has all paid off for me, 51 starts later." Â
On what wearing the orange and white has meant to him…
"Man, playing around some great people. On and off the field, it's about the people and the relationships I built. The memories I made on the field and off the field will last a lifetime."
On how he plans to lead the young secondary players during the bowl game…
"Those guys will be fine. They have been prepping all year for their opportunity and moment. As far as your question, I don't have to do anything special. Just continue to lead, continue to trust in my teammates and continue to do what we have been doing all year."
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