For the first time since his departure from Tennessee football in the spring window, Nico Iamaleava met with the media.
As a representative of UCLA at Big Ten Media Days, the former five-star quarterback fielded questions about the upcoming season and the decision to head back to the West Coast and leave the Vols.
Here’s everything he said during his press conference, posted by BruinBlitz on YouTube.
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On the best moment for him these past three months
“Just being in the locker room with the guys. They’re very welcoming of me. The whole staff, the whole strength staff… Never been pushed like this by a staff before. I’m excited to go to work for these guys.”
On the biggest misconception on him leaving Tennessee
“I’d say that my decision to leave was extremely hard. One of the hardest decisions that I ever had to make. Family was the biggest thing to me. A lot of things about financial stuff, it was never that. It was me getting back home closer to my family and playing at the highest level with my family’s support. Our Samoan culture, we’re always together and that was very important to me.”
On playing with his brother, Madden Iamaleava
“It’s great, man. I love playing with my little brother. I played with him throughout my high school career and youth. Just getting him back in the QB room with me has been great. I’ve been trying to be a helping hand with anything he needs. It’s been fun, man. We’re going to have a fun year.”
On what success would look like to him this year
“Success for me looks like, you know, we want to bring a championship back to Westwood. That’s our main goal. Coach Foster and the whole staff has set expectations for us that we’re gonna meet. Everybody in that locker room truly believes in one another.”
On when he settled into UCLA and what the timeline was of when he left Tennessee
“I really got settled in during June. Was able to get in here and be around the guys a little bit more. Just to have them see my face and get around them more and let them recognize who I am and who I am as a person and as a player.”
On when he got the UCLA playbook
“I got the playbook after I signed. Dove into that.”
On the UCLA offense
“It’s been great. I love everything Coach Tino (Sunseri) has brought to the table. Different verbiage than I’m used to, but it’s a fun time.”
On if UCLA’s offense is suited to his strengths
“I love the offense. I loved the offense that I was in last year.”
On the difference between UCLA and Tennessee’s offense
“Just at Tennessee, we were a little wider splits. That was our base thing. Over here, just a little bit more condensed formations and pro-style offense that I think Coach Tino brings to the table.”
On only having the fall to get ready
“It’s going to be tough, but I think I’ve done a great job of just getting closer with the guys. Fall camp is going to help us tremendously. I think just as a unit in growing our bond and creating stronger relationships with one another. I think that’s the main thing for us and our team knows what we want to accomplish and we want to lock in for that.”
On receivers he’s connecting with
“The whole receiver room, man. We’re getting a lot of work in, man. Definitely Kwazi (Gilmer), Mikey (J. Michael Sturdivant), though. Stapes (Ezavier Staples) is coming along. There’s a lot of guys in there. My guy Titus (Mokiao-Atimala). We got a couple guys that can go. I’m excited for this season.”
On if he can make the College Football Playoffs this year
“Yes. Definitely, man. That’s our whole goal. Bringing a championship back to Westwood is our main focus and we’re going to do that.”
On UCLA’s coach’s values aligning with his own
“Coach Foster has a very set thing on what he wants to do. I’m just glad to be a part of it. I’m listening to Coach Foster and listening to the whole staff, they bring a lot of great things to the table, I’m taking everything running with it.”
On going from the SEC to the Big Ten
“Playing in the SEC is a tough conference. But I think everybody brings their own things to football. I think the Big Ten has their own thing, own traditions. I think it will prepare me, but I think the best players in the country play in the Big Ten, too. So, I’m excited for the challenge and I can’t wait.”
On his offensive coordinator developing quarterbacks in the past
“He’s definitely emphasized that of him being able to do stuff with quarterbacks in six months and years. I’m glad I got Coach Tino as an offensive coordinator and I’m excited.”
On if he tried to get No. 8 (Troy Aikman) unretired at UCLA
“Definitely was (conversations). Things didn’t go right and I couldn’t get it. Blessed to wear nine. I got seven siblings and both of my parents. I’ll represent all nine of them for sure.”
On if anyone has been helpful in his transition
“Yeah, Coach Foster, Coach Tino and then just the whole strength staff…”
On if his brother, Madden, is ready to be QB2
“I think he’s ready, man. Obviously, we’re still prepping and getting him ready during camp. He’ll be ready when his name is called.”
