Even with the experience Mac Jones has, does Bryce Young become the starting quarterback for the University of Alabama at some point this season?
Those thoughts emerged during Zoom calls with players and coaches on Tuesday.
Devonta Smith, a senior at wide receiver, started the conversation with things he really likes about the true freshman.
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“He (Young) is going to be a great quarterback,” Smith said. “With him not having a spring and just coming in he summer, he learns quick and I like what I am seeing. He is ready and just the way he approaches the game, the way he handles himself, he is going to be a great quarterback.”
After hearing from a veteran receiver, Steve Sarkisian took the podium and echoed some of the same things.
Despite Young not being able to participate in spring practice, due to the Coronavirus, the five-star from California has been highly impressive through two days of fall camp. Sarkisian crafted a relationship with Young and his family, and he was the primary coach in Young’s recruitment to the Crimson Tide in the 2020 cycle.
According to Sarkisian, the Offensive Most Valuable Player from the U.S. Army All-American Bowl has a ‘feel for the game’ and ‘great attention to details’ at quarterback.
“With Bryce, I have been really impressed,” Sarkisian said. “It was hard for him not having spring practice, but the guy definitely studies the game. He works at it. Although it has only been two practices, you see the natural passer in him. Now, there’s a lot of little things we have to build on, but at least you get an idea of the type of player he is going to be for us.”
Young was a household at Mater Dei High School, leading the Monarch to a state championship in 2018 and another state championship game in 2019.
He tossed for 13,250 passing yards with 152 scoring passes for his career. Young was also deadly as a runner, posting 26 rushing scores too.
The 6-foot, 194-pounder is creating attention, but the question is how quickly can he rise to be the starter?
Former Tide standout, Jalen Hurts was the first true freshman (2016) of the Nick Saban era to start at quarterback.
It will be interesting to see how much ground Young can make up.
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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.
