Alabama has had some of the most interesting quarterback debates in the Nick Saban era, but the most intense one is happening right now.
Since his decision to sign in the Crimson Tide’s recruiting class for this year, Bryce Young has drawn much attention.
A five-star dual threat from Mater Dei High School in California, the fan base is hailing him as the starter for Alabama. He had an incredible career in high school, but can he handle the pressures that come with suiting up for the Tide?
This is the question that “old school” fans are asking.
His competition is someone who is entering a fourth season with the program. He was not a five-star, but Mac Jones is a natural born winner and competitor. A native of Jacksonville, Fla., Jones led The Bolles School to a state championship as a senior.
He filled in admirably for an injured Tua Tagovailoa last season and compiled 1,503 passing yards with 14 touchdowns to three interceptions. He guided the Tide’s offense to 40-point games versus Arkansas and Auburn, and bounced back with clutch plays in the passing game after a mistake. While he has the mental make-up and passing mechanics to lead the program to a national championship, fans are not as high on Jones as they are on Young.
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Nine years ago, this conversation started with A.J. McCarron and Phillip Sims.
Prior to him not panning out, people were high on Sims as a five-star. He was a pro-style quarterback like McCarron; however, Sims had more mobility. McCarron was more of the gangly looking athlete, but he was a natural leader as he delivered a state championship to St. Paul’s Episcopal High School. Not a lot viewed McCarron as the guy, but Saban let the battle between both players go until the second game of the 2011 season.
McCarron ultimately won the job and went on to help the program win a national title.
Depending on how Saban has this matchup play out, the conversation between Jones and Young will go through the spring, summer and fall camp.
On Monday’s airing of In My Own Words, yours truly of Touchdown Alabama Magazine broke down why this year’s quarterback discussion reverts back to the one from 2011.
Alabama fans, who do you see winning between Jones and Young?
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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.
