🏈 So, Who Yeah Got at Quarterback?

[TUSKtimes]

I don't buy what Dilfer is selling, but I do see Hurts starting next season and a healthy dose of Tagovailoa thrown in on the side. If he really is all that, perhaps meaningful snaps throughout his freshman campaign in meaningful games. Then the next year, all-out competition. Saban is so strong at handling personnel, it won't be an issue, regardless of the QB ceiling we possess next season. Gonna be a fun spring.



QB guru Trent Dilfer wouldn’t be surprised to see Tagovailoa start at Alabama in ’17

By Sam Spangler​

• 

Tua Tagovailoa committed to Alabama on the KHON2 News with Sports Director Rob DeMello on May 2nd, 2016
Just two days after the conclusion to the 2016 season, there may already be a quarterback competition with the projected preseason top-ranked team in the nation in 2017.
Saint Louis graduate Tua Tagovailoa, who began classes at Alabama Wednesday, was given heavy praise from ESPN NFL analyst and Elite 11 head coach Trent Dilfer on the network’s national show Russillo and Kanell this week.
“The freshman that’s coming in there Tua Tagovailoa is an Aaron Rodgers-type prospect.” Dilfer said.
The statement was in response to a question about the Crimson Tide’s true freshman starting quarterback Jalen Hurts. Dilfer went on to express that he didn’t believe Hurts is a natural passer.
“There’s a very real chance that Tua will be the starting quarterback for some point next year at Alabama, and I know that’s a mind-blower to a lot of people.” Dilfer continued.
“What Tua will look like in practice next to Jalen hurts, and by the way Tua has the same type of physicality. He’s not as fast as Jalen, but he’s a physical runner. He is a unique prospect. He throws the ball with the combination of the quickness and compact delivery, and his accuracy and his arm strength, his ability to change speeds, his eyes, his feet. I mean this kid is special with a capital ‘s.'”
The two are expected to battle this spring for the quarterback position despite Hurts taking over the reigns during Alabama’s season opening win over USC, and earning SEC offensive player of the year honors. Making matters more intriguing is the addition of new offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian, who recruited Tagovailoa heavily while head coach at USC in 2014 and 2015.
Dilfer is excited to see how head coach Nick Saban handles this unique situation.
“It’s gonna be very interesting at Alabama this spring because he’s an early enrollee, and next fall what happens at the quarterback position.”
Alabama’s “A-Day” spring game is scheduled for April 22nd.

 

[planomateo]

Having competition at the position will certainly help in development. Definitely looking forward to seeing these guys push each other.

 

[BamaFan334]

A lot of people didn't buy Hurts this past season either and look what happened. If Tua can open it up deep and offer a fraction of what Hurts can with his legs, watch out. I like Hurts, and Tua sounds like everytging you want in a kid, so we will be spoiled at the position.

 

[TerryP]

A lot of people didn't buy Hurts this past season either and look what happened.

A lot worried about turnovers, freshman mistakes, and efficiency.

 

[Max]

 

[BamaFan334]

A lot worried about turnovers, freshman mistakes, and efficiency.

And it was an issue to an extent, but I think it was way better experience than most expected.

 

[Sgt. Lincoln Osiris]

Here we go with the backup better than the starter bullshit, and he isn't even on campus yet...lmao

Tua won't unseat a returning starter that has a full season of experience.

Not gonna happen.

 

[OldPlayer]

Passing ability (not arm strength) and the ability to get the offense into/out of plays will be the difference. Both will play.

 

[Bama Guy]

In my opinion, the only piece missing from another NC was the downfield passing threat. If Jalen can develop downfield accuracy and consistency during the off season, then he is still the man. If Tua already has that skill set, it will be a competition.....but most likely during the 2018 season.

 

[pignjig17]

With his running game all Hurts has to do is improve his passing game. If you consider on a scale of 1=10 hes at a 5 now he only needs to get to a 7 and hes good to go. He took us to within a few seconds of a title as he is now. The only question is can he, or is he all he can be now. If he can get to an 8 or dare I say a 9, it would be unfair. If Dilfer is dead on about Tua, then it is gonna be interesting to say the least.

 

[rocknthefreeworld]

Unless Hurts regresses badly Tua will be the backup but see good playing time next year.

 

[alabamajack]

Hurts...Tua, it doesnt matter to me which qb leads us back to the mountaintop

 

[PhillyGirl]

May the best man win. Should be entertaining.

 

[EasyTider]

Here we go with the backup better than the starter bullshit, and he isn't even on campus yet...lmao

Tua won't unseat a returning starter that has a full season of experience.

Not gonna happen.

FWIW, he is on campus

 

[JoshB]

Here we go with the backup better than the starter bullshit, and he isn't even on campus yet...lmao

Tua won't unseat a returning starter that has a full season of experience.

Not gonna happen.

We knew it was coming, just wait until spring practice and the "insiders" start telling everybody about how "Tua is killing the first team defense."

 

[UAgrad93]

You got Hurts at QB until his mistakes prove costly or Tua just pushes past him and proves to be the better QB.