He did legendary things with Tom Brady and Deshaun Watson. He got Matt McGloin and Christian Hackenberg to the National Football League from Penn State. Bill O’Brien is regarded as one of the best offensive minds and quarterback developers in the sport.
In his return to college, the 51-year-old is on Nick Saban’s staff at Alabama and inherits Bryce Young as his pupil.
RELATED: Alabama A-Day Game draws over 500,000 viewers on ESPN for its third-highest total since 2010
Young turned in a successful spring, and the sophomore finished it with an MVP performance on A-Day. He completed 25 of 44 passes for 333 yards with one touchdown. Young connected with seven different receivers, including his roommate Traeshon Holden. A native of Pasadena, Calif., the former five-star recorded the only offensive touchdown of the game.
Young found Cameron Latu for a 59-yard score in the second quarter. He guided the White Team to a 13-10 victory over the Crimson Team.
Throughout the spring, he picked up O’Brien’s system. Coach Saban praised Young for his development and said he has taken command of the team. After leading his team to a steak dinner, fans, teammates, and coaches all see Young as the starter going into the coming season. According to his father, Craig Young, he sees O’Brien as ‘that dude’ and the best move for Alabama.
Coach O’Brien is that dude! Coached all time greats, NFL pedigree, great offensive mind straight shooter!….Which new college football coaching hires are impacting the recruiting landscape? – via @ESPN App https://t.co/5xygQKUUm0
— Craig Young (@YoungCJB) April 22, 2021
Bryce Young, who stands at 6-feet and 194 pounds, was an incredible player at Mater Dei High School.
He set records, won a state championship, and collected a host of individual awards. Many feel as though he will bring the Crimson Tide its first Heisman winner at the quarterback position.
Alabama has all the talent around him, and Young brings a skill set that fans want to see unleashed.
Young’s father is excited to see what O’Brien does and Tide fans are too.
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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.
