Since 2016, Nick Saban has had success with quarterbacks at the University of Alabama.
Jalen Hurts, Tua Tagovailoa, and Mac Jones were men of character and winners on the field.
All three have national championships and brought leadership to the program. Two are in the National Football League, and Jones is expecting to hear his name called in the first round of this NFL Draft. Now, the sun shines on a new frontman that will lead Alabama’s offense.
RELATED: Bryce Young owned the second scrimmage, but Alabama’s QB room stepped up as a whole
A global pandemic took spring football from him in 2020; however, Bryce Young still played in nine games.
The experience has guided him to an excellent showing this spring. Through two scrimmages, the sophomore from California recorded seven touchdown passes. Coach Saban is proud of Young’s growth and development in the system, and he sees the former five-star taking command of the team. After Saturday’s scrimmage, Saban spoke to reporters on Young’s efforts.
“Bryce played well again,” he said. “He’s done great. He knows the playbook really well. I told him one of the things he has to work on is having a presence on the field, be the man, take charge, and take command. I think he has done better and better at that. I think he realizes what he needs to do to try to help players around him play better. I think he has done that very well.”
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Before signing in Alabama’s 2020 freshman class, Young was a household name at Mater Dei High School.
He delivered the Monarchs to state championships, earned a host of individual awards, finished with 13,250 career passing yards, and totaled 178 touchdowns. As special as Tagovailoa was for the Crimson Tide, fans believe Young will take the program to another level under Bill O’Brien as offensive coordinator.
Some of the best leaders in Alabama football history were those who operated by example.
However, talking and building confidence in teammates is important for a quarterback to do. According to Brian Robinson Jr., a senior running back, Young has stepped into those shoes.
“He’s accepted the fact that in being a quarterback, you have to be one of the most vocal guys on offense,” Robinson said. “He has been doing a great job with that. I just try to make sure he understands everything that goes on around him. The biggest thing for Bryce is for him to continue to grow as a leader. He will be great.”
People saw the magic in high school, but they want to know if it’s real. Alabama’s spring game is on Saturday at noon CT at Bryant-Denny Stadium. All the fans will see Young for themselves. He was the toast of the 2020 signing class, and now this is his moment to drive the offense.
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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.
