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What Alex Leatherwood returning means for Tua Tagovailoa’s decision?

Jason Getz - USA Today Sports

After social media went up in smoke with Dylan Moses announcing his return to Alabama football for next season, the Crimson Tide received a major boost on offense as Alex Leatherwood is coming back.

The 6-foot-6, 310-pounder shared a statement on Thursday via Twitter that he will forgo the 2020 NFL Draft and play his senior year with the Crimson Tide. 

He came off the bench as a freshman in the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship Game (2017 season) for an injured Jonah Williams at left tackle and helped Alabama win a championship over Georgia.

As a sophomore, Leatherwood started all 15 games at right guard and earned the job at left tackle this season.

He anchored an offensive line that allowed just 12 sacks in 381 pass attempts, while he missed only six assignments in 694 snaps. 

The former five-star in the 2017 class blocked for five 100-yard rushing performances from Najee Harris, including four versus Southeastern Conference opponents. With Leatherwood clearing the way, Harris collected his first career 1,000-yard (1,224) season with 13 scores. 

RELATED: Breaking: Alex Leatherwood announces he will return to Alabama

Prior to Tua Tagovailoa suffering a hip injury against Mississippi State, Leatherwood assisted him to 2,840 passing yards with 33 touchdowns to three interceptions. He helped the junior quarterback to a Heisman-caliber season in 2018 – keeping him upright for 3,966 yards with 43 scoring tosses to six picks.

Tagovailoa finished the campaign as the runner-up for the Heisman. 

Due to Leatherwood’s skill set in pass pro, both DeVonta Smith (1,256) and Jerry Jeudy (1,163) collected 1,000-plus yards receiving. He helped Alabama’s offensive unit become a finalist for the Joe Moore Award, which is presented to the best offensive line in college football. 

His return, especially if Jedrick Wills leaves, brings stability and leadership to the Tide. 

Alabama would have a staple at left tackle with Leatherwood entering his second year starting in the role, and this provides a comfortability factor for Tagovailoa. He and the native Floridian in Leatherwood came together and it’s good to have a connection with the guy who is protecting your front side.

Also, seeing how Leatherwood wants to be even better in pass pro, his return could lead to the native Hawaiian not getting sacked next season – if Tagovailoa comes back. 

So many variables weigh into the decisions of these young men, but in Leatherwood’s case, a veteran offensive line to assure Tagovailoa’s health would be set into motion. 

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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.

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Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama. He is a senior writer and reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He has covered Alabama football for 10+ years and his knowledge and coverage of the Crimson Tide's program have made him among the most respected journalist in his field. Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other marquee outlets as an analyst.

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