Alabama fans and reporters heard Bryce Young speak Thursday for the first time in his career.
The sophomore quarterback handled questions well and discussed his transition from California to Alabama. He sat behind Mac Jones last year and watched the former three-star lead the Crimson Tide to an undefeated national championship. Young tossed a touchdown pass in 2020 to DeVonta Smith and completed 13 of 22 passes for 156 yards in nine games. Regardless of him coming in as a five-star, Young embraces the pressure of Alabama football. He wants to be the best, and it starts with studying the best.
According to him, the second-year quarterback emulates Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson.
*Bryce Young talks about Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson at the 0:45 mark
“As far as NFL quarterbacks, Aaron Rodgers is someone that I look up to on the field and someone I like to take pieces of their game and implement to my own,” Young said. “Russell Wilson also does a lot of good stuff. I like a lot of ball, and there’s a lot of quarterbacks in college and in the pros that are doing a great job right now. I’m trying to emulate them and get on that level.”
He has Wilson’s size, but Young carries Rodgers’ west coast swagger. In taking aspects from Rodgers and Wilson, Young said he enjoys being a student of the game.
He won a national championship at Mater Dei High School and elevated a program after J.T. Daniels graduated. Rodgers and Wilson have been to multiple Pro Bowls and both won a Super Bowl. Rodgers has been a league MVP three times, first-team All-Pro (three times), and a Super Bowl MVP. Young has his sights on becoming the fifth first-year starter to navigate Alabama to a national championship.
The 6-foot, 194-pounder had a great spring and is doing well in fall camp.
His mindset is locked in on hard work, and Tide fans are ready to see Young excel.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber-only content!*
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.
