Nico Iamaleava's return provides stability for Bob Chesney

Nico Iamaleava believes in what UCLA is doing and will be back for another season with the Bruins. Once the season ended with UCLA finishing 3-9 the talks started of what Iamaleava’s future might be. Would he enter the portal again, possibly insert his name into the NFL Draft or give it a go with Bob Chesney. He decided to go with the latter and will be QB1 next season for Chesney to build around. This is seen as a big win, and now the recruiting staff will need to go out and get him protection and weapons.

The stats were not eye popping this past year for Iamaleava. But he showed his abilities on the ground as well as throwing the ball when he had time to do so. His best displays were the first two games under Jerry Neuheisel against Penn State and Michigan State. Both in wins he looked comfortable in the pocket and didn’t look to scramble unless needed. With big changes most likely coming to the offensive line, Iamaleava might’ve saw that opportunity that this was the best place to be. Close to home and family and a high comfortability level.

He had 1,928 passing yards this season with 13 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. Iamaleava battled multiple injuries and limped into the finish. But he never wavered or gave up on his teammates. He could’ve easily sat out the USC game and no one would’ve batted an eye. That didn’t faze him and he showed up for that game injured and still played through. Tim Skipper left an impact on each player when many players would’ve quit on the culture amidst so much change.

Iamaleava did his best work on the ground as he had 505 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Keeping drives alive that should’ve stalled because he would fight for extra yards. The ceiling is high as you saw in the Michigan State and Penn State games, he had eight total touchdowns and no turnovers. Now it is up to Chesney and crew to get the pieces to change this thing around for the good.