It is time to get excited as we are nine days from Alabama versus Miami.
We have heard the praises from Nick Saban, Bill O’Brien, and a few Alabama teammates for Bryce Young, as the sophomore quarterback has taken on a leadership role. He has embraced the pressure of playing for Crimson Tide and the expectations that come with it. Despite being the new face under center for Alabama, Young replaced a star quarterback (J.T. Daniels) at the prestigious Mater Dei High School and led the program to a national championship.
He played in nine games last year, but the California native is excited about leading this team. Young has his eyes on guiding the Tide to a national championship.
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He is a young player, but his teammates say he does not act like it. On Thursday, Emil Ekiyor spoke to local reporters and raved about the maturity of his quarterback.
“He has a lot of character and carries himself really well,” Ekiyor said of Young. “I think the rest of the team respects that and respects him and his play. It’s really good to see our quarterback take that leadership role.”
According to Slade Bolden, the receivers have worked out the chemistry with Young. He has performed well all offseason, but Coach Saban wanted to see the supporting cast play well around him. This happened during the second scrimmage as Young recorded two touchdown passes — including an 80-yard catch and burst from John Metchie. He’s totaled five scoring tosses in two scrimmages; however, he is ready for action. Young has the confidence of his team going into his first career start.
He will look to outperform D’Eriq King of the Miami Hurricanes on Saturday, Sept. 4.
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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 “watch” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
