Tennessee was able to catch a glimpse of its future with Nico Iamaleava as the starting quarterback when it defeated Iowa in the Citrus Bowl earlier this month.
The Vols had a few of their early enrollees on the sideline for the match, as well, one being their 2024 quarterback signee,Jake Merklinger.
The four-star signal caller is now out in Honolulu, Hawaii for the Polynesian Bowl. Rivals has been able to evaluate the freshman gunslinger during his preparation.
VolReport takes a close look at the recent evaluation.
TALK ABOUT IT IN THE ROCKY TOP FORUM
The 6-foot-3, 195-pound quarterback from Calvary Day (Ga.) is soaking up the sunshine and expertise that is found during the preparation for the Polynesian Bowl.
Merklinger is competing with some of the best athletes across the county. Three competitors will join the talented signal caller on Rocky Top, as well.
In a recent discussion of the quarterbacks, Matt Moreno of Rivals gave Dave Berry an instant reaction of Merklinger that many Big Orange fan will love to hear.
Moreno had this to say:
Composure was a key word used by Moreno when describing what stood out about Merklinger. Some of this could be credited to the fact that Merklinger has already been able to practice with the Vols during bowl preparation.
The Georgia native jokingly added his thoughts on the transition from high school to college.
"A receiver that's open in high school, is not a receiver that's open in college," said Merklinger.
When people mention the speed of the game being different as the biggest adjustment, that is because it impacts many elements of the game. Those passing lanes and windows close a lot quicker at the collegiate level. Once a young quarterback gets around that curve, they can focus on truly developing and perfecting their craft.
FULL VIDEO
OTHER VOLS IN THE POLYNESIAN BOWL
GAME INFO
- January 19, 2024
- 9 p.m. ET
- NFL Network
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