Why Nico Iamaleava, James Pearce won't be at SEC Media Days but these Tennessee players will

Center Cooper Mays, defensive lineman Omari Thomas and linebacker Keenan Pili will represent Tennessee football at SEC Media Days.

They’ll travel to Dallas with coach Josh Heupel for the Vols’ appearance on July 16.

On Monday, the SEC announced the three players who will represent each team at the event. They are selected by their head coach and media relations staff.

Mays, Thomas and Pili are respected team leaders, and they’re entering their final year of eligibility.

But what about quarterback Nico Iamaleava and projected first-round NFL draft pick James Pearce – two of the highest profile players in the SEC?

Here’s why this trio was selected and why other obvious UT players were not.

Cooper Mays can talk about anything, especially offense

Mays is talented as an All-SEC performer and candidate for the Rimington Trophy, given to the nation’s best center.

Mays is media savvy. He may have the most experience with press conferences of any UT player, and it shows. He gives insightful answers and colorful quotes to questions, which is a valuable trait at this event.

And, finally, Mays knows UT’s offense. He’s been the starting center since Heupel arrived in 2021. Mays can talk about Iamaleava’s development, the addition of transfers and the unique tempo of the offense.

Omari Thomas is SEC spokesman to NCAA

Thomas went to SEC Media Days last year, along with quarterback Joe Milton and tight end Jacob Warren. But he’s got a new title this year.

Thomas is the SEC’s player representative on the NCAA Division I Football Oversight Committee. That means he’ll be an obvious spokesman on big-picture topics like name, image and likeness benefits, pay-for-play debates and SEC expansion with new members Texas and Oklahoma.

Also, teams want to avoid controversy at SEC Media Days. The last thing they need is an unwanted storyline heading into preseason practice.

That makes Thomas a very safe pick for this event. He earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism and electronic media, so he understands the assignment. And his answers are prudent and sometimes cautious.

Keenan Pili will wear new helmet device this season

Pili played only 29 snaps in his lone season at UT in 2023 after transferring from BYU. He suffered a season-ending triceps injury in the opener against Virginia.

That makes him a somewhat surprising choice for an SEC Media Days appearance.

But Pili is 26 years old, and this will be his seventh year on a college football roster. Linebacker coach William Inge calls Pili “Uncle Grandpa,” and younger teammates see him as a coach on the field.

Pili is the undisputed leader of UT’s defense. That process started soon after he arrived in 2023, and his role has grown this offseason.

And as middle linebacker, Pili will wear the coach-to-player speaker in his helmet. The quarterback and one designated defensive player will be allowed to use the communication system being implemented in college football this season.

Pili is sure to field questions about that.

Why won’t Nico Iamaleava be at SEC Media Days?

It’s rare for freshmen to attend SEC Media Days.

So despite Iamaleava’s lofty potential and MVP performance in the Citrus Bowl, the redshirt freshman wasn’t a surefire selection for this event.

Granted, he’d be at the top of the list if reporters chose player representatives. But coaches tend to protect young players until their play matches their hype.

If Iamaleava plays as well as UT hopes, he’ll certainly be at SEC Media Days in 2025.

Why won’t James Pearce be there?

Pearce is soft spoken and still getting comfortable in media settings. He had straightforward and concise answers in the press conference after his dominant performance in the Citrus Bowl.

But SEC Media Days presents a different challenge.

Dozens of reporters surround players and shout questions. There are TV and radio appearances, multiple press conferences and an exhaustive schedule of promotional appearances.

Pearce needs experience facing the media before the 2025 NFL Draft, where he’s been projected as a top-10 pick. But that will come in more comfortable settings with local media before facing ballrooms like those at SEC Media Days.

Expect Pearce to talk at UT's media day in late July.

Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Emailadam.sparks@knoxnews.com. X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.

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