How UCLAs Nico Iamaleava plans to absorb fewer hits while protecting body

Nico Iamaleava’s coaches didn’t have any gripes about his play last season … well, maybe one.The UCLA quarterback tended to take too many hits while running, in part because of his resistance to sliding.But times change and self-preservation may be higher on his to-do list in 2026.It helps that he’ll be surrounded by significantly more talent, including a reformulated offensive line, a deep stable of running backs and several promising wide receivers.Presumably, there won’t be nearly as many times when he has no choice but to take off running.“Last year, at times, when it was time for me to go, you know, I had to go,” Iamaleava said Friday evening after the Bruins concluded their second fall training camp session on another sweltering day.

“Definitely being more protective over my body and taking less hits, it’s a main emphasis every year, but, this year, definitely want to emphasize on not taking too many hits.”That doesn’t mean fans should expect him to slide.It’s just not in the nature of someone who doesn’t shy away from absorbing contact and probably isn’t an easy endeavor for someone who stands 6 feet 6.“I’m not a slider,” said Iamaleava, who was his team’s leading rusher last season with 505 yards and four touchdowns.So, no baseball growing up?“No baseball,” Iamaleava said.“I tried; baseball just wasn’t it for me.

I’m not a great slider, so, you know, you guys will see me just get down.”One of his jobs Friday was to get his teammates pumped up as the designated hype man during the stretching period, though in true trash-talking spirit, he received mixed reviews.“Defense said, you know, I didn’t get my offense hyped up enough,” Iamaleava said, cracking a grin, “so I’ll do a better job.”As he spoke with reporters, Iamaleava seemed more confident and poised than he was a year ago, when he arrived from Tennessee fresh off the upheaval of his controversial spring transfer.Now a redshirt junior, Iamalea...