Nico Iamaleava is the nation’s top freshman prospect, and he may be the most-anticipated Tennessee Vols signee in many years. He's enrolled and will participate in spring practice. But should Tennessee fans expect Iamaleava to start as a freshman? Should they prefer he doesn’t?

On today's episode, hosts Blake Toppmeyer and Adam Sparks reassess the Milton-Iamaleava debate and explain why Milton retaining the reins may be most beneficial to the Vols and Iamaleava.

Peyton Manning, Casey Clausen and Erik Ainge each started as freshmen, but they endured growing pains. Giving Iamaleava the keys may result in this season becoming a rebuilding-year bridge into 2024.

An opening stretch of Virginia, Austin Peay, Florida and Texas-San Antonio provides Milton a runway for a blistering start. And Milton delivering a strong September wouldn’t be bad for Iamaleava, either. Milton playing well means keeping the pressure off of the freshman and allowing Iamaleava to grasp Heupel’s offense throughout the year while entering as a reserve in lopsided victories.

Milton playing well while Iamaleava earns seasoning as a backup sounds like the ideal win-win-win.

Also in this episode, we take a look at UT's 2023 recruiting class and Josh Heupel's new contract.

Stay connected on Twitter with Blake (@btoppmeyer) Adam (@AdamSparks) Mike (@ByMikeWilson) and John (@JohnAdamsKNS) and stay up to date on Vols sports news by following @GoVolsXtra. 

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