UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava forking over big bucks to feed linemen

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There’s one tab Nico Iamaleava doesn’t mind running up — the bill to feed his offensive linemen.

The UCLA quarterback said he’s made 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.

“They said another spot,” Iamaleava said Wednesday without naming the place, “but it’s a little expensive over there, so we’ll see.”

Guard Carter Sweazie said he recently 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.

Right tackle Hall Schmidt isn’t as picky when it comes to his preferred dining destination.

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“Anywhere,” Schmidt said 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 said 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 said James Madison quarterback Alonza Barnett did the same for his offensive linemen nearly every week.

The impact goes beyond getting a couple of free meals.

“When they do stuff like that,” Sweazie said, “it’s like, yeah, this is my guy — we’ve got to go out there and protect him.”

Iamaleava could use some additional 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 many 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 said of his linemen, “but they know what is with me and I love them boys.”

They love him back, though that won’t prevent some from stuffing themselves if their quarterback is buying.

“If he’s going to take us somewhere,” Schmidt said, “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 said, “I’d probably take us to like Ruth’s Chris or somewhere very nice because I know he’s got us for sure. I’d get a tomahawk [steak] with the mac and cheese, mashed potatoes and probably some truffle fries.”