How UCLA’s Nico Iamaleava plans to absorb fewer…
Nico Iamaleava’s coaches didn’t have any gripes about his play last season … effectively, perhaps one.
The UCLA quarterback tended to take too many hits while working, in half because of his resistance to sliding.
UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava will strive to defend his physique better this season. MediaNews Group via Getty Images
But instances change and self-preservation could also be larger on his to-do listing in 2026. It helps that he’ll be surrounded by considerably more expertise, including a reformulated offensive line, a deep secure of working backs and a number of promising large receivers.
Presumably, there received’t be practically as many instances when he has no alternative but to take off working.
“Last year, at times, when it was time for me to go, you know, I had to go,” Iamaleava said Friday night after the Bruins concluded their second fall training camp session on another sweltering day. “Definitely being more protective over my body and taking less hits, it’s a main emphasis every year, but, this year, definitely want to emphasize on not taking too many hits.”
That doesn’t imply followers ought to count on him to slide.
It’s just not in the character of somebody who doesn’t shrink back from absorbing contact and in all probability isn’t an straightforward endeavor for somebody who stands 6 toes 6.
“I’m not a slider,” said Iamaleava, who was his group’s main rusher last season with 505 yards and 4 touchdowns.
So, no baseball growing up?
“No baseball,” Iamaleava said. “I tried; baseball just wasn’t it for me. I’m not a great slider, so, you know, you guys will see me just get down.”
One of his jobs Friday was to get his teammates pumped up as the designated hype man during the stretching period, though in true trash-talking spirit, he obtained blended reviews.
“Defense said, you know, I didn’t get my offense hyped up enough,” Iamaleava said, cracking a grin, “so I’ll do a better job.”
As he spoke with reporters, Iamaleava appeared more assured and poised than he was a yr in the past, when he arrived from Tennessee recent off the upheaval of his controversial spring switch. Now a redshirt junior, Iamaleava credited coach Bob Chesney with rising his consolation degree because of his vitality and consistency in the way in which he runs the group.
Some are saying the same issues about Iamaleava.
Defensive back Rodrick Pleasant, who has recognized Iamaleava since they had been high faculty rivals, said he appreciated his galvanizing presence.
“He’s bringing people with him,” Pleasant said. “That’s been the most impressive thing about it — he’s bringing guys along, making guys better day in and day out, and he’s holding us accountable.”
UCLA quarterbacks Nico Iamaleava (9) and Madden Iamaleava work out during training camp. MediaNews Group via Getty Images
Part of that includes holding himself to a high customary when it comes to bringing the group together.
“Man, I’m just trying to get better myself at that every day and, you know, elevating the other leaders that are on our team to be more vocal out there, you know?” Iamaleava said. “We talk a lot of trash, and I think that gets the morale up. So, yeah, it’s been fun.”
Iamaleava was ready to get more in sync with his receivers after they gathered for player-run practices over the summer season. He took charge there as effectively by serving to to set up the occasions.
“It’s not hard,” Iamaleava said with a smile. “Make a couple of group chats with the guys, and, you know, send them a text. But, yeah, it was fun doing those little player-led workouts.”
Sometimes Iamaleava finds himself awed by others who show up at the apply facility.
Among the NFL gamers who have given him advice while biking through the Wasserman Center is Pro Bowl linebacker Eric Kendricks, the previous UCLA star.
“Man, he just tells me to stay the course, you know, stay leading the guys, and be that positive energy to the guys,” Iamaleava said. “It was great having a lot of guys, a lot of legends come here and work out, and, you know, you get to chop it up with them a little bit.”
Reflecting on what he may do to put together for what will doubtless be his closing school season, Iamaleava ticked off a few wishes.
“Just being more consistent with my game play, I think, week in, week out, whether that’s my preparation, how I eat, sleep,” he said, “I think [it’s about] taking that next step this year and really diving into that.”
But not sliding into it, some issues never change.
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