He arrived at Alabama as the highest-rated quarterback recruit of the Nick Saban era in 2020.
Bryce Young is undoubtedly talented. He won national championships and individual awards in high school; however, his personality is coming out as a first-year starter for the Tide.
During the Crimson Tide’s victory over Southern Mississippi, the California native was dancing, celebrating with teammates, smiling, and enjoying the atmosphere at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
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Young had five touchdowns versus the Golden Eagles, tying him for second-most in school history for a single game. He shares the mark with Gary Hollingsworth (1989), Tua Tagovailoa (2018, 2019), Mac Jones (2020). Jones, Young’s predecessor, did it three times in 2020 against Auburn, Florida (SEC Championship), and Ohio State (CFP National Championship Game).
The sophomore set a school record for completion percentage (90.9) as he connected on 20-of-22 passes for 313 yards.
Nothing seems to rattle Young. He’s accurate when he has protection, and he is deadly when he leaves the pocket. He is tied for second in college football with 15 touchdowns. Young also carries a quarterback rating of 87.7, which is good for sixth in the sport.
Before facing Matt Corral and Ole Miss, he spoke about what generates his success.
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“I think [my demeanor] comes a lot from my faith,” Young said. “I feel like that’s really where I get my power from. My job is just to glorify God on the field, and I know that everything is written and I can have faith and trust in that.”
Young is not the first Alabama signal-caller to credit faith for his success. Tua Tagovailoa did it after the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship Game. In an interview with Maria Taylor, he gave praise to Jesus for helping him lead the Crimson Tide to a championship. Jalen Hurts and Blake Sims also credited their faith for empowering them to greatness.
Young received a strong compliment from his head coach. On Monday, Saban said his quarterback ‘has it together’ as a player and person. He has an opportunity to take the lead in the Heisman Trophy race with a strong outing against Mississippi.
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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.
