The Mac Jones era is expected to begin September 26th when the Alabama Crimson Tide suits up against the Missouri Tigers for its season opener. Jones, who hails from Jacksonville, Florida, has stuck it out the past three seasons while waiting his turn behind Jalen Hurts and fellow 2016 signee mate, Tua Tagovailoa. After an injury-riddled season for Tagovailoa, Jones stepped in and impressed in four starts compiling a 3-1 record.
Jones finished the 2019 season with solid numbers of 1,503 yards passing, completing 97 of 141 passes (68.8%) with 14 TDs and a passer rating of 186.8. Despite the arrival of highly-touted 5-Star freshman quarterback, Bryce Young, Jones has earned the respect of Pro Football Focus to be listed as the 24th best starting quarterback out of 130 FBS projected starters.
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According to PFF:
“Jones is no Tua Tagovailoa, but he’s more than capable of leading Alabama’s loaded offense to success. He is a sharp decision-maker — he had only four turnover-worthy throws last year — and he has the ability to tie his feet and eyes together to get through reads. There is, however, one glaring concern we have with Jones going into his first year as the Crimson Tide starter: His negatively graded play rate on throws from a clean pocket (screen passes excluded) ranked 131st of 150 FBS quarterbacks. It’s a relatively small sample, but it is something to keep in mind.”
For more context, Jones is ranked the 4th best quarterback in the SEC with Jamie Newman (No. 3), Kellen Mond (No. 16) and K.J. Costello (No. 18). Interestingly enough, former Alabama quarterback, Layne Hatcher, who transferred to Arkansas State, is ranked at No. 10 on this list.
Jones’ ranking is not an indictment on his talent, but rather a sign of encouragement for Tide fans to be listed this high with such a small sample size. Do not be surprised if Jones creeps into the top 10 before the year is over.
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