LAS VEGAS — Whether Dan Lanning played any role or not in the palace intrigue surrounding Nico Iamaleava’s transfer process, the former five-star quarterback has “no animosity” towards Oregon’s coach.
Speaking publicly for the first time since transferring from Tennessee to UCLA this spring, Iamaleava addressed various aspects of the high-profile and public saga that played out in April.
At the time, ESPN reported Tennessee became aware Iamaleava’s representatives reached out to Oregon prior to the start of spring practice, but Oregon was not interested. 247Sports’ Josh Pate suggested Lanning contacted Josh Heupel.
“I don’t know where all that comes from,” Iamaleava said. “I’m hearing from (the media) just like you guys are hearing it. With all that situation I just focus on football and let my business side of the team (handle that).”
Lanning, who declined to address the matter in April, said, “I don’t remember saying that I called Tennessee.”
Oregon recruited Iamaleava when he was the No. 3 overall prospect in the class of 2023, one spot ahead of Dante Moore, who signed with UCLA and transferred to Oregon, where he is expected to start this season.
Iamaleava, who completed 63.8% of his passes for 2,616 yards with 19 touchdowns and five interceptions last season, said he has no hard feelings towards Lanning.
“I knew Dan Lanning when he was recruiting me at Oregon,” Iamaleava said. “I have nothing but respect for coach Dan Lanning.”
— James Crepea covers the Oregon Ducks and Big Ten.
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