WATCH: Nick Saban shares the advice he gave to Tua Tagovailoa

During an appearance on ESPN’s SportsCenter on Monday, Alabama head coach Nick Saban some of the advice he has been giving to Tua Tagovailoa.

“I think staying focused and, you know, controlling the things you can control. You can’t control what everybody is saying, you can’t control what everybody thinks. But, you can control your rehab. You can control the things that the medical staff is telling you to do day in and day out. And, you know, be smart, be upfront you. The last advice that I gave him was, you know, you’re not going to be able to do a medical recheck, so make sure you get rechecked and send it to all of the teams so at least they’re getting that information from somebody that they have faith, trust and confidence in. I think he’s done a good job of managing this and a good job in handling this. He’s worked really hard on his rehab and I do think he’s in a position where he’s ready to start playing football again.”

But that’s not all. Saban also made it clear that Tua has a responsibility to learn when to throw it away and save his body from injury.

“He does not give up on a play and it’s because he’s a great competitor. You certainly don’t want to inhibit that spirit in any way shape or form, but there’s also a time to be smart. Both ankle injuries and the hip injury that he got this year were all because he tried to make a play when the play had broken down.”