Two primetime quarterbacks have committed to Alabama in the 2019 recruiting cycle (Taulia Tagovailoa and Paul Tyson) and while one has carried the bulk of attention, fans of the Crimson Tide should look deeper into what the other brings to Tuscaloosa – especially if he signs upon February of next year.
The first thing noticed about Paul Tyson is he’s the great-grandson of legendary coach, Paul W. “Bear” Bryant. After coaching the Tide to six national championships on the sidelines, the mantle falls on Tyson to continue the legacy. Despite the idea of Alabama recruiting him solely off the family history, those that study Tyson know he brings a dynamic skillset to the table.
Garnering a four-star rating, Tyson led Hewitt-Trussville High School to an 11-1 record and an appearance in the Quarterfinal round of the Alabama 7A playoffs in 2017. He guided an offense under head coach Josh Floyd that totaled 552 points on the season (46 ppg), including seven matchups where the Huskies scored at least 40 points. Listed at 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, Tyson completed 71 percent of his attempts for 3,392 yards with 36 touchdowns to four interceptions.
During Saturday’s airing of In My Own Words, Hewitt-Trussville’s defensive coordinator Rudy Griffin (former Alabama defensive lineman) shared with yours truly of Touchdown Alabama Magazine his thoughts of Tyson and why Tide fans should be very excited about him.
*Segment on Tyson starts at 7:20 mark*
“The thing that people don’t know about Paul Tyson is that last year was his first time playing varsity football and he put up huge numbers,” Griffin said. “He’s bigger than some of our defensive ends. Just imagine what he’ll be able to do next year and then at Alabama.”
If we take height into account, the Tide alum that Tyson resembles would be AJ McCarron – seeing how he was also 6’4” upon enrolling in 2009. As for his arm talent, two National Football League signal callers hit my mind after watching tape: Aaron Rodgers and Phillip Rivers.
Rodgers’ feet are quicker than Tyson’s, but he has a natural ability to evade pressure in attempts to locate wide receivers downfield. Before he enters his 15th year in the NFL, Phillip Rivers has established himself as one of the most consistent passers. Although he may not be surrounded with the kind of weapons like his peers, Rivers has collected nine 4,000-yard passing seasons.
Tyson’s ability to maneuver the pocket, deceive players in the secondary, and throw receivers open with pin-point accuracy is in the category of Rivers. Upon mentioning the professional comparison for his quarterback, Griffin said he almost fell out of his chair.
“It’s funny that you mentioned Phillip Rivers, because that is exactly who Tyson models his game after,” he said. “It is the reason why he wears No. 17, however, if you look at his leadership that will remind you Tom Brady. When you look at his game, I think you look toward the NFL comparison more so than the collegiate one. His game just fits the NFL mold.”
Tyson and the Huskies look to win a state championship in the fall.
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.
