After a challenging first season at UCLA, Niko Iamareava found himself at a crossroads.
The star quarterback had some big questions to answer: Should he make a leap to the NFL? Start fresh at a different school? Or stay with the Bruins even as the team navigates a coaching transition?
A conversation with coach Bob Chesney clarified everything for him.
“For the first time since meeting Coach Chesney, I felt certain I was going to stay,” Iamareava remarked after Saturday’s practice.
What stood out about Chesney?
“I think it was his energy,” Iamareava said. “He’s a genuinely good person, very charismatic, and I felt no pretenses from him.”
This new coaching staff introduced a different atmosphere for the quarterback. Unlike the previous year when he was in the limelight after leaving Tennessee suddenly, Iamareava feels settled at UCLA now.
He’s anticipating a productive spring, followed by a fall training camp that doesn’t feel rushed, especially in contrast to the turmoil of a coaching overhaul.
“Many of our discussions have been like, ‘Hey, it’s different this time,'” Chesney noted.
Chesney admires how Iamareava prioritizes the team’s dynamic, emphasizing teamwork on the field.
“He excels at communicating, making sure everyone is aligned, and he does it with urgency,” Chesney stated.
Describing Iamareava as the most dedicated player in the conference room, studying film and honing his leadership, it’s no wonder his teammates chose him as their leader.
“In successful teams, the best players are often the hardest workers and the keenest observers of the small details. That’s the standard,” Chesney explained. “Having him step into that role is key.”
Iamareava, who stands 6-foot-6 and weighs 218 pounds, aims to gain some weight to better withstand hits and hopes to hit 225 pounds.
His ability to quickly identify errors impressed new offensive coordinator Dean Kennedy. During practice, Iamareava pointed out his own mistake after successfully completing passes he felt should have been released earlier.
“Before I could say anything about it, he told me, ‘You should have closed your eyes a little sooner,'” Kennedy laughed. “It’s promising to see him correct his mistakes with such speed and insight.”
Iamareava is also considering ways to improve an offense that struggled last season, averaging just 18.2 points per game. He completed 64.4 percent of his passes, totaling 1,928 yards, 13 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He knows focusing on nutrition is vital to gaining weight.
“You have to keep eating. You have to keep getting protein,” he explained.
With an offensive line potentially featuring up to four new starters, he’s optimistic about the upcoming season. Besides, he praised the running backs, calling them among the best in the nation. Kennedy has helped him understand the finer points of managing the offense, including which defenses can bolster the run game.
Iamareava has prioritized eliminating pre-snap penalties, particularly false starts, that hindered the team last year.
Reflecting on the difficulties from last season, Iamareava feels optimistic about his future under a new coach.
“Coach Chesney is a winner,” Iamareava asserted. “He’s had success wherever he’s been, and his winning mindset is contagious. It encourages others to want to play for him.”
