Tennessee WR Bru McCoy makes statement about QB Nico Iamaleava that will get Vols fans fired up

Tennessee Vols redshirt senior wide receiver left no doubt this week that he views redshirt freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava as an elite leader. 

Iamaleava doesn't come across as "fiery" on the sideline -- he's not going to be doing any Baker Mayfield impressions out there. Instead, he leads in his own way, by being accountable while continuing to take a step forward in his vocal leadership. 

McCoy was asked earlier this week by a reporter about Iamaleava's leadership style and how he's grown as a leader during his first two seasons at Tennessee. The veteran wide receiver pointed out that Iamaleava's willingness to hold himself accountable -- even when something wasn't necessarily Iamaleava's fault -- makes McCoy (and other players) want to play even harder. 

"I think how he is, his vocal leadership is super prominent, especially on the sidelines during games and during practice," said McCoy. "He's just really good at dealing with people, almost pulling you to the side, still getting his message across. As a vocal leader, I think he's done a really good job in taking a step forward and maturing in that regard. He takes good command of the field, he's super accountable -- almost over accountable at times. 

"But he's gonna put everything on himself and when you're a quarterback, especially [for] me as a receiver, it pushes you to want to play a bit harder for guy that's willing to take accountability for something that wasn't even necessarily his fault. Nico has done a really good job of being our quarterback and our leader."

Iamaleava is still a young player who is growing as a leader and as a quarterback. But the fact that a player like McCoy, who is four years older than Iamaleava, views the redshirt freshman quarterback as an elite leader that makes him want to "play a bit harder" is certainly another great sign for the future of Tennessee football. 

This is just the beginning of Iamaleava's journey at Tennessee. It's already off to a great start -- Iamaleava is 7-1 as a starter with wins against Florida and Alabama -- but just imagine how good it'll be once Iamaleava truly hits his stride.