WATCH: Alabama QB Mac Jones takes No. 1 spot in 2020 Heisman Trophy race

It took a while, but the masses are now seeing Mac Jones for the talent that he is.

He is undeniably a big time college football quarterback with some pro traits. After replacing an injured Tua Tagovailoa last season, he has Alabama football soaring on offense. With him, the Crimson Tide is first in the Southeastern Conference for scoring offense (47.2 ppg) and total offense (555.2 ypg), while it leads the nation in points per game. He leads the SEC in completion percentage (78.5 percent), passing yards (2,196), quarterback rating (210.32), pass yards/game (366), total quarterback rating (95.5, adjusted) and raw quarterback rating (93). Jones ranks in the top-five nationally in all categories.

He is the lone signal caller in the history of Alabama with three straight 400-yard passing games.

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The redshirt junior has faced major defenses in a 10-game, conference-only schedule — including a Georgia group that was the nation’s top-ranked defensive unit. According to Pro Football Focus and ESPN, Jones has become the new leader in the 2020 Heisman Memorial Trophy race.

He has surpassed Trevor Lawrence of Clemson for DraftKings and Fan Duel sportsbook betting sites. Despite the offseason doubters, Jones has positioned himself to get the Tide to a national championship.

On Monday, yours truly of Touchdown Alabama Magazine discussed Jones’ rise to the Heisman leaderboard via In My Own Words.

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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.