(Updated) Interview: 11-Offer 2023 Standout QB Nicholaus Iamaleava Jr. is Ready to Spin It with Warren
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The skills were put to the test during the 2019 high school football season, just most outside of the Long Beach Poly program did not see it. Nicholaus Iamaleava was spinning it for the Jackrabbits as a freshman filling in a vital role as scout team quarterback. All the reps were against top varsity competition, and those growing moments are coming out clean on the other side via 7v7, club ball, and camp performances. When California begins their season, Iamaleava will be executing a Spread offense with Warren High School. The skills will be closely monitored by the 10 D-I programs who have already dropped an offer and the elite list of programs showing recruiting interest.
In an RNG first-look, Iamaleava sat down for an in-depth one-on-one giving insight to his workouts and an update on his growing recruiting options.
Interview
Nicholaus, during your freshman season you were spinning the ball with Long Beach Poly. What offensive scheme were your running with the Jackrabbits?
Yes, sir. It was a balanced offense with a lot of RPO (run-pass option). We were mostly running a Spread.
How did that experience on a roster loaded with talent help better prepare you for the California varsity competition?
It helped a lot. I used to be the scout team QB going against the varsity. It was good to get reps against them and mentally be there. It helped learning from our senior and sophomore quarterbacks on how they prepare for the game.
This offseason you transferred to Warren. What scheme will you be executing when the 2020 season gets going?
We will be doing a lot of passing in the Spread. We will be pass-heavy. It will be fun.
How do your skills fit that offense?
We have a lot of speed. You will see us taking a lot of deep shots. We have all the tools for a very successful year at Warren.
What are some of the routes your receivers will be running?
Posts, comebacks, all of it. The whole route tree, digs, everything.
How have you worked to build chemistry with your new teammates this offseason?
We’ve done a lot of work. We have throwing sessions, we are going to parks to throw, and with a lot of 7v7, we are building bonds and chemistry. Club ball helps a lot too.
We will circle back around to that in a minute. When you’ve worked on your own game, what have you been fine-tuning throughout the fall and winter months?
I have been trying to work on my throwing mechanics, the basics. In the film room, I am going over coverages to see what is open with different routes. I have worked on the running throws and getting out of the pocket.
Which 7v7 team are you playing for?
I am playing with my dad’s 7v7 and club team.
How is 7v7 going?
It is going great. We’ve been building for a couple of years now, and it is only getting bigger.
And club ball, how did that season go?
We just had our last game this past weekend. We are starting up in March for the next season.
With the pads on going against live action, where are you showing improvements in your skills?
Man, making throws and reads. It feels different on the field. I am in full command of the offense and feeling comfortable. After not playing for so long, I was wondering how I would do with the bullets flying. I handled it well. Credit to my offensive line and my receivers putting me in position to have success.
Nice. Have you been to any camps over the last few months or do you have any coming up you might attend?
I went to the last Elite 11 in November and I went to a National Preps camp. I am not sure which ones I will go to coming up.
Let’s talk recruiting. Which programs are showing interest?
I know USC is showing interest, Ohio State, and Cal.
How many programs have now laid down scholarship offers?
I have 10 offers.
Iamaleava’s Offer Sheet: Arizona, Arizona State, BYU, Florida State, Hawaii, Michigan State, Oregon State, UCLA, Utah, and Washington State
*Texas A&M offered after this interview was posted
Which program was the very first to offer?
Hawaii.
Having that moment happen, what was it like for you?
Man, it was great. I could not believe it. Looking back at it, there was a lot of hard work that went into that. It was destined to happen.
The NCAA cleared a pathway for visits in June. If that comes to pass, which programs might you go visit?
I am going to visit LSU and Texas in April when I am in the area for a SPE camp. We are visiting them and Rice. Cal, Ohio State, and probably SC (USC) will be on my list then too.
Nicholaus, it was great getting time in with you. Wishing you and Warren the best of luck once the 2020 season gets going.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Iamaleava family; Nicholaus Iamaleava