UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava forking over big bucks to feed linemen

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Key points

• Schmidt remarked running back Ashton Jeanty took the Boise State offensive linemen out before the Mountain West Conference championship game when they played together for the Broncos.
• There's one tab Nico Iamaleava doesn't mind running up – the bill to feed his offensive linemen.
• "They said another spot, " Iamaleava remarked Wednesday without naming the place, "but it's a little expensive over there, so we'll see."
• Right tackle Hall Schmidt isn't as picky when it comes to his preferred dining destination.
• Iamaleava could employ some further protection after UCLA's offensive line surrendered 27 sacks last season, ranking tied for No.

For context, the UCLA quarterback remarked he's produced a habit of taking them out to dinner, with the Mexican eatery Javier's being a previous staple, but there's designs on something even more fancy in the works.

Guard Carter Sweazie remarked he lately mentioned going to Nobu, the famed Malibu sushi joint where Japanese wagyu costs $42 per ounce and roasted king crab with uni or shiso serrano goes for $128.

"Anywhere, " Schmidt remarked when asked where he would want to go. "Free food's free food, right?"

High-profile players taking their lesser-known teammates out is something of a college football tradition.

Schmidt remarked running back Ashton Jeanty took the Boise State offensive linemen out before the Mountain West Conference championship game when they played together for the Broncos. Sweazie remarked James Madison quarterback Alonza Barnett did the same for his offensive linemen almost every week. The impact goes beyond getting a couple of free meals.

"When they do stuff like that, " Sweazie remarked, "it's like, yeah, this is my guy – we've got to go out there and protect him."

Iamaleava could employ some further protection after UCLA's offensive line surrendered 27 sacks last season, ranking tied for No. 96 among 134 Football Bowl Subdivision teams. Shelling out some bucks to show his appreciation for not absorbing so plenty of hits probably wouldn't hurt.

"They're the heart and soul of the team, and they don't get all the cameras and all the stats and stuff, " Iamaleava remarked of his linemen, "but they know what is with me and I love them boys."

Though that won't prevent some from stuffing themselves if their quarterback is buying, they love him back.

"If he's going to take us somewhere, " Schmidt remarked, "he knows what he's getting himself into."

That could be a bill well into four figures if guard Julian Armella gets to pick where they go.

"If I know Nico's taking us out, " Armella remarked, "I'd probably take us to like Ruth's Chris or somewhere highly nice since I know he's secured us for sure. I'd obtain a tomahawk with the mac and cheese, mashed potatoes and probably some truffle fries."

Taken together, the developments around UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava forking over big bucks to feed linemen point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.