In showing that he is ready for next season, sophomore quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was in California over the weekend at a private camp getting his left hand back in action.
Tagovailoa, the backup signal-caller for the University of Alabama, was limited throughout spring practice after sustaining an injury to his hand.
He’s coming off a freshman season where he played in nine games, however, none were more important than his performance in the second half of the College Football Playoff National Championship matchup against Georgia in Atlanta.
A five-star from Hawaii, the passing protégé completed 14 of 24 attempts for 166 passing yards with three touchdowns – including a 41-yard connection to wide receiver Devonta Smith for the game-winning score in overtime. He was awarded most valuable player in the 26-23 victory and judging by most Crimson Tide fans and media personnel, he’s the favorite to start in the fall.
According to a video from The Nation on Twitter, Tagovailoa is practicing his footwork in the pocket while throwing to his left. On the heels of him obtaining the most passing yards in Hawaii high school history, Tagovailoa anticipates taking Alabama’s offense to new heights.
He has been a featured in a couple of preseason lists from different news outlets, but he still has to fend off two-year starter Jalen Hurts for the job. Tagovailoa completed 49 of 77 passes in 2017 for 636 yards with 11 touchdowns to two interceptions.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
