Junior quarterback Nico Iamaleava’s transfer to UCLA did more than just bring the California native home, it inspired his younger brother to join him in Westwood.
True freshman quarterback Madden Iamaleava originally committed to the Arkansas Razorbacks Dec. 4. Following his older brother’s commitment to the Bruins April 20, the younger Iamaleava entered the portal and committed to UCLA in one fell swoop the following day.
Having Madden around is a bright spot for Nico after the drama of his transfer from Tennessee. The brothers are not only teammates, but also roommates.
“Yeah, it's exciting, man,” the Bruins’ starter said during B1G Network's behind-the-scenes look at UCLA's training camp. “It feels so great to just have my little brother in the room with me. Any nuggets I can give to him to help him be a better person, better quarterback, I try to do that on a day-to-day basis.”
Though the younger Iamaleava is also a quarterback, DeShaun Foster seemed to suggest Luke Duncan and Pierce Clarkson (Ole Miss) are the top backups at the position Wednesday during media availability. The head coach said the backup position is “still up for grabs,” but highlighted both redshirt sophomores before clarifying there are others in the mix as well.
“I don't want to say that somebody has taken a step forward, but I think that Luke is trying to take advantage of his opportunities. And I would say Pierce is doing the same thing,” Foster said. “They're just trying to find a way to really grab it and just run with it. They're both still getting opportunities with the twos.”
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While it’s unlikely Madden will see playing time this fall, the support system he’ll provide his brother may prove to be invaluable. Plus, the true freshman is a solid investment for Foster’s program. Nico’s eagerness to share anything he can to help his brother improve could be the foundation for Madden becoming integral to UCLA football — especially considering he’s a young quarterback with a lot of time to learn.