Everything belongs to Tua Tagovailoa this season and he knows it.
The offensive coaches, running backs, wide receivers and offensive line are at his disposal, and he is the voice they all answer to. As a returning starter, the native Hawaiian feels comfortable entering his junior year and one where he can show the media that he’s a complete quarterback.
In a very chill manner, as it is Tagovailoa’s style, he was one of four players available to local reporters on Monday.
He was asked questions on preparing for Duke and his elite unit at wide receiver; however, he opened up more upon yours truly addressing him about the front line.
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“I feel like I have a lot more control around everything now,” Tagovailoa said.
“I did not want to overstep boundaries last year, because of the amount of respect I had for Jalen [Hurts] and the amount of respect that everyone had for him as well. So, now being the guy, I am able to spend a lot more time with the linemen.”
This is an interesting perspective from the former five-star.
He was the starting quarterback all of last season and had the trust of everyone around him; nevertheless, he knew that Hurts a bigger voice than he did at the time. Not wanting to create chaos, Tagovailoa supported the native Texan throughout 2018 and in 2017 as well.
Sometimes, one has to reach a place where things identify with it.
Both offensive tackle – Alex Leatherwood and Jedrick Wills – came in Tagovailoa, along with Alabama’s top three receivers and top two running backs. Each of these guys identify with him and this gives him the confidence to communicate, lead and most important, be effective.
The full package of Tagovailoa’s skill set will be unleashed now.
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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.
