Jalen Hurts’ departure to Oklahoma means Tua Tagovailoa commands the attention as a second-year starting quarterback at the University of Alabama.
The rising junior had a record-setting sophomore season that consisted of him becoming the fourth signal-caller of the Nick Saban era to account for at least 3,000 passing yards — 3,966 – while totaling a school-record 48 touchdowns for the season to six interceptions in 15 games.
Behind the native Hawaiian, the Crimson Tide tallied 45.6 points and 522 yards on offense — both were the most under Saban.
Tagovailoa was a consensus All-American and finalist for the Heisman Trophy, along with other honors, but he seeks to get the team back to the College Football Playoff and finish with a national title.
Being able to take what opposing defense present him, instead of going for a huge play every time, is the next step in his growth.
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With Tagovailoa entering year three, the race for second-string should provide entertainment upon the start of spring practice in March. Rising sophomore Mac Jones will battle a pair of talented true freshmen, Taulia Tagovailoa and Paul Tyson, in hopes for more playing time.
Mac Jones
It was last year’s spring game that allowed Mac Jones’ name to catch fire as Tua Tagovailoa’s backup.
He tossed a 65-yard score to wide receiver Chadarius Townsend (defensive back now) and connected on a variety of different passes, en route to earning most valuable player honors.
Jones got the attention of local media, but was not able to keep it going.
In sitting behind Tagovailoa and Jalen Hurts, Jones completed five of 13 pass attempts for 123 yards with one touchdown in 14 games. Despite snatching a spot in the record book for second-longest scoring play in school history – 94-yard score to receiver Jaylen Waddle – the issue with the Florida native is that his physical talents don’t add up to the pair of freshmen phenoms.
He has an opportunity to use his experience to his advantage and work on being in complete command of the offense; however, it will be tough seeing how Tyson and the younger Tagovailoa both hailing from prostyle systems at their respective high schools.
Taulia Tagovailoa
He is the preconceived heir apparent for second-string quarterback and once his brother leaves, Taulia Tagovailoa will be looked upon as the starter.
The Tagovailoas’ had a plan in mind, when moving to Alabama from Hawaii, but the young leader has to earn that respect on the field.
Unlike Tua, Taulia is listed by most recruiting sites as a “pocket passer.”
Surprisingly, he is more athletic than Tua as a runner and chooses to rely on his legs more in certain situations. This, however, does not mean the superstar from Thompson High School located in Alabaster (Ala.) does not have an elite arm. The younger Tagovailoa possesses a mixture of touch and power on his throws, despite needing a little more work on accuracy.
One thing the Tagovailoa family does not lack in confidence. Taulia wants to show he is just as good if not better than Tua, and he does not intend on just riding the bench next season.
Paul Tyson
Here is the name that’s being overlooked.
Most feel as though Alabama had to get Paul Tyson because he is the great-grandson of Paul W. “Bear” Bryant; however, he is actually a really talented passer. Listed at 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, the four-star was a 3,000-yard quarterback in his senior year at Hewitt-Trussville.
He enrolled on campus before the national title game, took part in practice, and is already being worked into the weight training program. Per Rudy Griffin, defensive coordinator at Hewitt-Trussville and former Tide defensive lineman, he told yours truly of Touchdown Alabama Magazine that Tyson “has yet to finish growing into his body.”
The Elite 11 participant could end up at 240 pounds with a cannon for an arm.
Imagine someone with Jacob Coker’s size and Brodie Croyle’s arm talent at Alabama: the answer to the thought is Tyson. While the general idea is both Tagovailoa taking the first two spots on the roster at quarterback, keep all eyes on the surging Tyson.
Once spring ball picks back up, fans and local media will see all three guys for themselves.
Whoever can consistently move the offense and have players around team buying into their chemistry should hear their name called for second-string.
Tide fans, who do you think ends up getting the job?
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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.
