Joey Aguilar built bonds Nico Iamaleava couldn’t at Tennessee: Report originally appeared on The Sporting News
Joey Aguilar has quickly won over his Tennessee teammates in ways former starter Nico Iamaleava did not, according to a source familiar with the team. The Vols enter Week 3 undefeated at 2-0, with Aguilar’s growing chemistry with Tennessee’s veteran players a key storyline as the team prepares to face Georgia.
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Friday, John Talty of CBS Sports revealed what a Tennessee source told him:
“Nico didn’t do himself any favors here with his teammates. And Joey came in and he did the opposite. And I think the team, especially Miles Kitselman and those older guys, were looking for that.”
The Vols showed promise in wins over Syracuse and East Tennessee State, but the test will come on Saturday against Kirby Smart’s Georgia defense, a far tougher challenge. Oddsmakers have shortened Georgia’s favorite spread from 5.5 points to 3.5 as bettors rally behind Tennessee.
There’s growing belief in Aguilar’s ability to lead. Through two games this season, Aguilar has completed 39 of 59 passes for 535 yards and five touchdowns with no interceptions.
Meanwhile, Iamaleava has recorded 391 yards for two touchdowns and two interceptions this season for UCLA.