Since Josh Heupel assumed leadership of the University of Tennessee Volunteers football team in January 2021, the program has experienced a revival.
Heupel’s incredible comeback since taking over as Tennessee’s head coach has resulted in a 27-12 overall record, eight wins over teams ranked in the top 25, the program’s first College Football Playoff New Year’s Six berth, and consecutive top-20 poll finishes.
With an overall record of 8-4, the Tennessee Vols 2023 football team qualified for the Citrus Bowl, where rookie quarterback Nico Iamaleava made his debut. He guided the Vols past the Iowa Hawkeyes in the bowl, 35-0.
Important Tennessee Volunteers Players for 2024 Success
There are a lot of exciting things for Tennessee fans to look forward to in 2024. All of that stems from the team that is currently playing, which is loaded with outstanding players ready to lead the Vols to victory in 2024.
The Vols’ immense talent will be crucial to their success in 2024.
Quarterback Nico Iamaleava
This one appears to be fairly self-evident. The quarterback is the most important player on a football team and serves as its leader. Nico Iamaleava, a five-star recruit from California, will play for the Vols in 2024.
At Warren High School, Iamaleava had an outstanding high school career, throwing for 3,248 yards, 50 touchdowns, and just two interceptions. After graduating from high school, Iamaleava received a lot of recruiting interest from several schools before choosing Tennessee. When he was graduating from high school in January 2023, On3 ranked him as the top recruit overall. The $8 million non-refundable contract Tennessee offered him upon signing him was a major factor in his decision to attend the University of Tennessee.
With just five games under his belt as their starting quarterback, Vols supporters have not yet seen much of what he is capable of. He did, however, get to start the Citrus Bowl game against the Iowa Hawkeyes, going 12 for 19 for 150 yards and one touchdown in addition to running for three touchdowns and 27 yards. Even though it was just the first game, it offered a taste of what Iamaleava can do for Tennessee.
College football fans in general and Vols supporters in particular are eager to see how Iamaleava performs in 2024.
Defensive End James Pearce Jr.
James Pearce, Jr. is a name that college football fans, particularly those in the SEC, are likely familiar with. Vols fans probably enjoy hearing that name but fans of opposing offenses may not due to the havoc this man can wreak on an offensive line.
In June 2022, Pearce Jr. enrolled at Tennessee. Pearce was a highly sought-after edge recruit who graduated from Charlotte, North Carolina’s Julius L. Chambers High School. Pearce finished his senior year of high school with 14.5 sacks and two interceptions. Pearce is a fantastic player that Tennessee acquired.
Pearce recorded 28 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, and one interception that he returned for a touchdown in the 2023 campaign. For the 2023 season, he was ranked as the top edge player in the Southeastern Conference and 11th overall in college football.
Sports Illustrated has even predicted that Pearce Jr. will be the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Given his high ceiling, many eyes in the college football community will be on Pearce Jr. during the 2024 season.
Running Back Dylan Sampson
Does anyone recall a running back wearing number six who played for Tennessee prior to entering the NFL? Alvin Kamara was his name. Dylan Sampson, then, is Kamara’s second coming.
Sampson is a deceptive and quick running back who has performed well at the University of Tennessee thanks to his abilities.
Sampson attended Dutchtown High School in Geismar, Louisiana, and was a recruit for the high school. During his time in high school, Sampson was not a very sought-after athlete. In June 2021, he signed with Tennessee.
In the 2023 season, Sampson was not used very much due to the fact he was sitting behind NFL runningback prospect, Jaylen Wright, but he made the most out of every touch he received. 604 yards and seven touchdowns were gained on 106 touches for him.
With Iamaleava and Sampson in the backfield, it is primed to be a scary duo for college football’s defenses.
With these players leading the way in whatever success is attained, Tennessee and its supporters have a lot to look forward to in 2024.
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