He is more focused on the bigger picture, but it is still interesting how ESPN remains having quarterback Tua Tagovailoa as a Heisman Trophy centerpiece.
Despite he and the University of Alabama falling to Clemson in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game, the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook has the native Hawaiian boasting the highest odds of winning the coveted bronze award next season.
The updated 2019 Heisman odds have @Tuaamann leading @Trevorlawrencee as the favorite ? pic.twitter.com/pxw6p1QIlQ
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) February 27, 2019
Tagovailoa has the best odds at 5 to 2 and is followed by signal callers Trevor Lawrence of Clemson (3 to 1), Jalen Hurts of Oklahoma (6 to 1) and Justin Fields of Ohio State (6 to 1).
The returning junior set a school record 48 touchdowns in a single season, while becoming the fourth 3,000-yard passer of the Nick Saban era – joining AJ McCarron, Blake Sims and Jacob Coker.
Tagovailoa’s output of 3,966 passing yards was also a single-season school mark, surpassing Sims’ mark of 3,487 yards in 2014. Regardless of being a Heisman finalist and consensus All-American in 2018, the former five-star wants a national championship.
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He returns a fleet of wide receivers – led by Jerry Jeudy – and a rotational of running backs that are prepared to work under Charles Huff. With a retooled offensive line and added motivation, expect Tagovailoa to provide balance and block out distractions as much as possible.
He starts spring practice very soon.
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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.
