Nothing has been confirmed on Jalen Hurts’ destination after this season; however, a subtle comment was made from Nick Saban in Wednesday’s presser.
The University of Alabama added 23 student-athletes for its 2019 signing class, which currently stands at No. 1 in the nation by all major recruiting sites. Saban was able to land two four-star quarterbacks in Taulia Tagovailoa and Paul Tyson, with both labeled as “pro-style” prospects.
Upon receiving a letter of intent from the duo and having Tyson on campus participating in bowl prep for Oklahoma, Saban was drawn to the character of his two new signal callers.
“We were excited about both guys,” Saban said on the coaching staff’s attitude toward Tagovailoa and Tyson. “They are two good quarterbacks in the state. There are other good quarterbacks too, but we were happy with the two we got. They were both very productive and they have a lot of potential.”
Tagovailoa, at 5-foot-11 and 203 pounds, led Thompson High School to the Class 7A State Championship Game this year.
Despite not winning the title, he showcased a strong arm and exceptional athleticism in extending plays.
As the younger brother of Tua Tagovailoa, Taulia may be a better runner than the Heisman Trophy finalist and consensus All-American.
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He endured some injuries late in the season, but Saban praised him for his toughness.
“Taulia had a a lot of success,” Saban said. “He had some great games, where he led his team to come from behind. We are excited about him.”
When it comes to Tyson, his style of play is bigger than the family legacy.
The 6-foot-5, 220-pounder had a prolific career at Hewitt-Trussville High School, recording 6,580 passing yards with 69 touchdowns in two seasons. Under head coach Josh Floyd, Tyson flourished in having elite arm strength, accuracy, footwork and vision as a complete player.
Both guys give Alabama five scholarship quarterbacks on its roster; joining Jalen Hurts, Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones. Saban typically signs two trigger pullers per class and although he said “we [Alabama] should have at least four quarterbacks on scholarship,” he also mentioned that “five is okay too.”
A rumor that started last week was on Hurts applying and being accepted into graduate school at Alabama, following his graduation. This is good news in him weighing all options; nevertheless, another rumor sparked on him also being accepted in the University of Texas.
With his final move up in the air, do not be surprised if the fifth quarterback becomes Layne Hatcher.
He turned down a partial scholarship to Arkansas State University to enroll at Alabama and Saban sees the Arkansas native as more than a walk-on.
The 6-foot, 196-pounder had a standout career at Pulaski Academy, totaling 15,483 passing yards with 185 touchdowns while earning a 41-1 record as a starter.
Hatcher played on four state championship teams and won Gatorade Player of the Year for the state of Arkansas in 2017, as he turned in 5,779 yards with 51 scores.
He was part of the Tide’s 2018 signing class.
After today’s practice, Saban and the team will pack up and head to Miami, Fla., to celebrate the Christmas holiday and get in some final work for the College Football Playoff matchup with the Sooners on Dec. 29 at Hard Rock Stadium.
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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.
