Tua Tagovailoa, Quarterback

There would be some obvious benefits for Tua Tagovailoa returning to Tuscaloosa for his senior season. With declaration day being Jan. 20, the timeline for the former five-star quarterback’s looming decision is tricky.

If Tagovailoa chooses to declare for the draft and something is discovered after that date, it could push the Honolulu (Haw.) native down draft boards — one thing that Tagovailoa has admitted that he doesn’t want to happen.

Should Tua decide that he’d rather come back, it would give him plenty of time to separate himself from the hip injury that ended his 2019 season prematurely. And if he can maintain his health, it could solidify his chances as a top 5 (or maybe even No. 1) pick in 2021.

With all that being said, the time might be now to capitalize on NFL intrigue. There have been rumors that Tagovailoa is strongly considering a return, but if I was Tagovailoa’s situation, I’d probably go ahead and declare early.

Either way, he’s earned the right to make that decision for himself. It would, however, be a pleasant and welcomed surprise if he decided to stick around for one more season.

What he should do? Leave.

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