After what he did against Georgia in January and the talent Alabama will have surrounding him in the fall, it is no question as to why Tua Tagovailoa is the favorite to start at quarterback.
Despite being limited throughout spring practice (hand), the rising sophomore looked perfectly fine last week at the Elite 11 pro day event in California. His accuracy, timing, anticipation and ball placement grabbed a lot of attention from NFL media analysts – including Daniel Jeremiah and Bucky Brooks, who both were impressed by the Hawaiian native and former five-star talent.
Loved watching @Tuaamann_ tonight. @BuckyBrooks nailed it— he’s a left handed Russell Wilson. Quick feet, ball jumps out of his hand and he has ++ anticipation, velocity and accuracy. Can’t wait for you guys to hear our interview with him on MTS pod. He was excellent.
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) June 3, 2018
Brooks, a former NFL player and scout (Panthers and Seahawks), compared Tagovailoa to Seahawks’ quarterback, Russell Wilson. As he enters his seventh year in the pros, Wilson has made it possible for guys 6-feet/under to carve out a career with the big boys as a signal-caller.
He delivered Seattle a Super Bowl championship in 2013, guiding the franchise to a 43-8 blowout win over the Denver Broncos. During the season, Wilson compiled 3,357 passing yards with 26 touchdowns to nine interceptions. While Tagovailoa is garnering praise, returning starter Jalen Hurts held his own at the event. Regardless of his struggles versus top-ranked defenses, he connected on multiple passes and displayed a sense of maturity that endeared NFL scouts.
I was impressed with @JalenHurts tonight. First of all, I love his size and his all business approach. His maturity/poise was very evident. Unfortunately I missed his throwing session but I was told he threw it really well.
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) June 3, 2018
The native Texan posted a photo Sunday via Instagram with the caption “Hustlers Don’t Stop, They Keep Goin.'” A change in hairstyle did not help in Alabama’s spring game, however, adding Dan Enos as a quarterbacks’ coach is huge. Taking his success with Ryan Radcliff, Cooper Rush, Brandon Allen and Austin Allen into account, Enos could very well produce greatness with Hurts.
Hurts’ goal entering fall camp is to hold off Tagovailoa and remain Nick Saban’s starter for a third straight year. If he can rid himself of his fear of making mistakes, then the competition may be closer than what most people expect. With adding a fourth guy to the quarterback room – Layne Hatcher – this summer, Saban has a tough decision but it’s one that must benefit the team.
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.
