Alabama claims two Heisman trophies, both through running backs. Mark Ingram won the award in 2009 and Derrick Henry won it more recently in 2015.
Former Alabama star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was a finalist for the 2018 Heisman, but finished second in the voting to Oklahoma’s Kyler Murray.
Lets take a look at which Alabama stars in 2020 could make a run for the Heisman trophy.
4. Jaylen Waddle (+8000)
John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
This Alabama wide receiver was part of the elite receiving corps from 2018-2019 that consisted of Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III, DeVonta Smith and himself.
Waddle being a junior means that he will be eligible to declare for the 2021 NFL draft. DeVonta Smith is the only receiver on the team that could likely take some of the spotlight away from Waddle.
The speedy route runner has flashed his quickness and elusiveness plenty of times during his last two years with the Crimson Tide. His ability to take a short route the distance is not a skill taken for granted. Not to mention, he is an elite kick returner.
While Smith may take some targets awn from Waddle in 2020, he is expected to still see a solid amount of production, certainly more than he did in 2019. Last season Waddle had 33 receptions for 560 yards and six touchdowns – all lower than they were in 2018.
He will look to have a much stronger season in 2020, especially since he is considered a 2021 first-round prospect.
Alabama sophomore QB Taulia Tagovailoa, former Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa’s younger brother, has entered the transfer portal.
Alabama sophomore quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa, the younger brother of former Alabama star Tua Tagovailoa, has entered the transfer portal.
Matt Zenitz of AL.com first reported and several other sources have confirmed that Taulia is indeed planning on transferring from the Crimson Tide.
Taulia was a 4-star recruit in the 2019 recruiting class and was ranked as the No. 5 pro-style QB and the No. 180 overall recruit. He appeared in 5 games last season, but when his older brother Tua went down with a nasty hip injury, it was Mac Jones who came in to take over for Alabama. Jones returns in 2020 as a junior, and Bama added Bryce Young, a 5-star prospect from California. Young was the No. 1 QB and the No. 2 player overall in the 2020 recruiting class.
Georgia is scheduled to visit Tuscaloosa on Sept. 19 and will most likely see either Jones or Young at quarterback for Alabama.
Regardless of who is Bama’s signal caller in the fall, Georgia will be bringing one of the best defenses in the country to Saban’s turf for a top-10 match-up.
Have learned that Alabama QB Taulia Tagovailoa has entered the transfer portal
Freshman phenom Bryce Young is the next man up on Alabama football’s player snapshot, which highlights each scholarship player.
As we continue through the offseason, Roll Tide Wire has decided to bring fans a quick snapshot of each scholarship player listed on Alabama’s 2020 football roster.
Each day, we’ll release anywhere from 2-4 player profiles giving fans a glimpse into the players who will be available this upcoming season. Whether that’s size, classification, hometowns or recruiting rankings coming out of high school, we’ve got you covered.
Also included in each article is a quick recap letting you know what to expect from that player for the upcoming 2020 season and beyond.
Next up on the list is freshman phenom Bryce Young out of Pasadena (Calif.).
Bryce Young, Quarterback
10/25/19 10:00 PM — Bellflower, CA, U.S.A. — Mater Dei Monarchs quarterback Bryce Young (9) throws a pass during the 4th quarter against the St. John Bosco Braves at Parish Family Stadium. Photo by Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY Staff Mater Dei v. St. 10/25/2019 [Via MerlinFTP Drop]Height: 6-0 / Weight: 190
Analysis: Bryce Young is one of the most polarizing, young quarterback prospects Alabama has landed in quite some time, and that even includes a talent like Tua Tagovailoa.
The California gunslinger doesn’t bring a lot in terms of size (6-foot, 200 pounds), but he possesses all the other tools needed to be a high impact player at the quarterback position. He’s got improved arm strength, top-notch accuracy and a lightning quick release to go with his ability to read defenses and make proper decisions.
And if that wasn’t already enough, Young is also a well-respected person off the field, which should help him earn the trust of his teammates and coaches early on.
Yes, it’s possible — and even probable — that rising redshirt junior Mac Jones will be the starter in 2020. In fact, Jones has earned that right based off his performance to close the 2019 season. But that doesn’t mean Young won’t be ready if called upon.
Expect the freshman phenom to emerge as one of college football’s elite quarterbacks — and overall players — within the next couple of years (if not sooner).
Will Bryce Young win the battle in Tuscaloosa for the starting quarterback position come September?
There’s no doubt that the quarterback battle in Tuscaloosa will be one of the most fascinating college football stories this season, especially since more than likely, Mac Jones and Bryce Young will be battling it out for the QB1 position.
Bryce Young, although young, is incredible talented. Not only was named the national high school offensive player of the year, he is also the No. 1 overall player in the 2020 recruiting class. In his senior year alone, Young threw for 4,528 yards and 58 touchdowns with another 357 yards and 10 TDs on the ground. In his career, he threw for 12,895 yards, 147 TDs, and 18 INT.
But how did Young end up at Alabama, especially at one point, he was sold on USC?
In an interview with USA Today’s Paul Myerberg, Young explains his reasoning for choosing the Tide in the end.
“I’m definitely blessed to be able to go to Alabama where we have the best resources in college football. I’ve just been trying to take advantage of it”
“I just wanted to do what was best for me, football-wise. I felt that Alabama was the best fit for me. It was somewhat difficult facing the fact that I’m not going to be going to school 20 minutes away from my house. But at the end of the day, I just wanted to do what was best. It wasn’t really too big of a deal. It was, for me, whatever I could do to put myself in the best position.”
As Myerberg explains in his article, “Alabama could offer continuity and security at a time when USC seemed headed toward a coaching change, though Helton was able to lead the Trojans to eight wins and secure his position for at least one more year, with several changes to his coaching staff.”
Young is excited, and knows the best is yet to come:
“I just want to maximize myself and listen to my coaches. Really, for me, it’s whatever the coaches ask of me. I’m just trying to get better and push myself to be the best I can. Just listen to the coaches. They’re not going to steer me wrong.”
Will Bryce Young win the battle in Tuscaloosa for the starting quarterback position come September?
Only time will tell. But one thing is for certain: Young is right where he is supposed to be.
When Bryce Young committed to the University of Alabama back in Sept. of 2019, people had wondered what that meant for the status of 2021 quarterback commit Drake Maye. The two gunslingers are from two different recruiting classes, but they’re only …
When Bryce Young committed to the University of Alabama back in Sept. of 2019, people had wondered what that meant for the status of 2021 quarterback commit Drake Maye.
The two gunslingers are from two different recruiting classes, but they’re only a year apart and Young is considered the future at position for the Crimson Tide.
Well on Friday afternoon, Maye made the announcement that he would be backing off his pledge to Alabama in favor of North Carolina, who has really seen its football program grow under national championship-winning head coach Mack Brown.
The news of Maye’s de-commitment wasn’t that much of a surprise, especially considering he’s from Charlotte (N.C.) and his older brother, Luke Maye, is a basketball player for the Tar Heels and his dad, Mark, played quarterback at the university as well.
From Alabama’s perspective, it’s somewhat of a blow considering what could happen with potential transfers. The landscape of college football is changing, and that means a reliable quarterback needs to be added in every recruiting class to keep numbers and depth in line.
Still, Nick Saban and company are in great shape with the current roster makeup at the quarterback position. Of the four scholarship quarterbacks (Jones, Young, Taulia Tagovailoa and Paul Tyson), none of them will be seniors in 2020.
So as long as the transfer portal doesn’t ransack the position, the Crimson Tide should be fine.
For the 2021 recruiting class, Maye is considered the No. 56 overall player, the No. 6 pro-style quarterback and the No. 3 player from the state of North Carolina, according to the 247Sports composite rankings.
Clint Lamb and Brett Hudson continue on with the pre-spring position breakdowns for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Next position on the list consists of the quarterbacks, which is one of the more talked about positions heading into spring practice. Will …
Clint Lamb and Brett Hudson continue on with the pre-spring position breakdowns for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Next position on the list consists of the quarterbacks, which is one of the more talked about positions heading into spring practice.
Will Mac Jones be able to hold off freshman phenom Bryce Young for the starting job? The two also discuss the additions of David Ballou and Matt Rhea.
Bryce Young was Alabama’s top recruit for the 2020 class. In fact, Young was the top overall recruit for any class, as he was ranked the No. 1 player according to the 247Sports composite rankings. Now, the five-star signee for the Crimson Tide …
Bryce Young was Alabama’s top recruit for the 2020 class. In fact, Young was the top overall recruit for any class, as he was ranked the No. 1 player according to the 247Sports composite rankings.
Now, the five-star signee for the Crimson Tide officially has the number he’ll wear during his first season in Tuscaloosa.
According to Hank South with BamaOnline.com, Young will sport the same number he wore in high school, which is the No. 9.
The news isn’t all that surprising, but it does mean that former four-star wide receiver Xavier Williams, who wore the number during his first two seasons on campus, will have to make a switch.
On the defensive side of the football, second-year safety Jordan Battle also wears the number, but he should be fine to leave it the same as long as he doesn’t end up on the same special teams unit as Young.
Alabama is set to get spring practice underway on Friday, March 13.
The Georgia Bulldogs are moving past the Jake Fromm era. Where does Jamie Newman rank among SEC quarterbacks?
The Georgia Bulldogs are moving on beyond the Jake Fromm era in Athens. With Fromm headed to the NFL, Jamie Newman who transferred from Wake Forest, four-star quarterback Carson Beck, and D’Wan Mathis, who has been cleared to play, will all compete for the starting quarterback job.
Where does UGA’s quarterback stack up with the rest of the SEC?
Jamie Newman is predicted to win the starting job. Throughout the SEC there isn’t as clear of quarterback hierarchy heading into the 2020 season. Before the 2019 season, it was assumed that Tua Tagovailoa, Joe Burrow, and Jake Fromm were the best QBs in the SEC. Nobody saw Burrow’s Heisman season coming, but he was preseason third team All-SEC.
Here’s how SEC Mike and Shane ranked the league’s quarterbacks:
Both guys rated Florida’s Kyle Trask as the SEC’s top quarterback. Trask looked solid last season, but it is hard to envision him as the SEC’s best quarterback. I think the top-rated QB in the class of 2020, Bryce Young, will emerge at Alabama and overtake Mac Jones.
Jamie Newman comes in at fifth and ninth in the rankings. Ninth is definitely too low. Newman made honorable mention in the ACC’s all-conference team and is upgrading his team’s talent. Newman is more impressive than Auburn’s Bo Nix, who will improve in 2020, but struggle to complete passes. Newman could be anywhere from first to fourth in my eyes, with Kellen Mond, Kyle Trask and Bryce Young coming ahead of Newman.
Potential dark horses to watch: LSU’s Myles Brennan, Kentucky’s Terry Wilson, Ole Miss’s John Rhys Plumlee, and Mississippi State’s K.J. Costello. Costello will put up huge numbers under Mike Leach.
Anything is possible. Just don’t count Mac Jones out just yet…
Everyone can agree that the 2019 season didn’t go as planned for Alabama. Not only did they not make it to the CFB Playoff, they lost the majority of their starters on defense to injury throughout the season, and lost their star quarterback too. But that didn’t stop Mac Jones from stepping up and going 3-1 as a starter.
Jan 1, 2020; Orlando, Florida, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Mac Jones (10) throws the ball during the first quarter of the 2020 VRBO Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium. Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
In fact, he did a lot better than many thought he would, including myself. He exceeded my expectations of how he would perform, especially against Auburn. And at the end of the season, he had a quarterback rating (186.8) that ranks as the highest of any returning signal caller (minimum four starts) in the SEC for 2020. Which is amazing, considering his only 4 starts ever, were this season. Simply put, Mac Jones proved that he is more than just a backup quarterback.
In his first career start against Arkansas for an injured Tagovailoa, he went 18-22 for 235 yards and 3 TDs. Two weeks later, he was back in the “back-up” role against LSU. The following week against Mississippi State, he went in to replace an injured Tua Tagovailoa again, but this time, he would be the official starter for the rest of the season as Tagovailoa suffered a season ending injury.
Nov 30, 2019; Auburn, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Mac Jones (10) reacts after a three-point attempt is good during the first quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium. John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Against Western Carolina, Jones went 10-12 for 275 yards and 3 TDs, but he only played the first half. And then came the Iron Bowl. Although the Crimson Tide lost a heartbreaker, the team showed resilience, especially Mac Jones. Even after throwing 2 costly interceptions, Jones regained his composure and leadership as he finished the game with 335 yards passing, 4 TDs, and 2 INT.
Before the Citrus Bowl matchup against Michigan, Jones had already racked up 939 yards passing and 10 TDS in just 3 games ( 2 full + 2 (half) games.)
During the Citrus Bowl, Mac Jones showcased his abilities not only as a quarterback, but as a leader. He finished the game completing 16 of 25 passes for 327 yards and 3 TDs against 15th ranked Michigan.
Jones finished the season with 1,503 yards passing, 14 TDs, and 3 INT.
Oct 19, 2019; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Mac Jones (10) throws a pass as Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Darrell Taylor (19) applies pressure during the second half of an NCAA football game at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
But it wasn’t just his stats that impressed me, it’s how he won over the team. It’s how he handled pressure in big games. It’s how he kept his composure after throwing a costly interception in the Iron Bowl. It’s how he was the first to take blame after a bad play. And it’s how he made sure his team ended on a high note, even after a hard season.
Jones spoke at the QB Club Annual Banquet and shared about his relationship with DeVonta Smith, one of Alabama’s star wide receivers who decided to return for his senior year:
“Me and Smitty, we’ve become really close throughout the years but specifically this offseason. We’ve already been throwing a lot and eating together, stuff like that. We are bonding great, he’s a great addition, he’s a great overall player all around. It’s good to have him back.”
Jones also made it clear… he’s not finished yet:
“I think I got some respect from my teammates and they did a good job helping me and having my back. Credit to all my teammates, they made it a lot easier, but that’s obviously in the past and we are looking forward to moving forward and me taking over the team and helping us win games.”
Nov 16, 2019; Starkville, MS, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Mac Jones (10) walks from the field after the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium. Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
I think it’s Mac Jones’ spot to lose.
Is Bryce Young talented? Absolutely.
Will this be a fun QB battle to witness? Of course.
But at the end of the day Jones has experience, leadership, and the respect of his teammates who witnessed him take over as QB1, and lead the team to a Citrus Bowl win, and that is priceless.
Don’t get me wrong, Bryce Young may just be the best quarterback Alabama has ever recruited… but it doesn’t mean he’ll automatically start over Mac Jones.
If Mac Jones improves over the spring and summer like I know he can, Mac Jones may be the guy to lead Alabama back to the CFB Playoff.
After all, we all remember Blake Sims’ incredible transformation between seasons, and we also remember watching Jake Coker, the following season, lead Alabama to a national championship.
Anything is possible. Just don’t count Mac Jones out just yet…
Cecil Hurt and Clint Lamb, through TideSports.com and The Tuscaloosa News, produce a podcast called “The ‘Bama Beat”, which features all the latest news and analysis surrounding the Alabama Crimson Tide. In this episode, Hurt and Lamb recap …
Cecil Hurt and Clint Lamb, through TideSports.com and The Tuscaloosa News, produce a podcast called “The ‘Bama Beat”, which features all the latest news and analysis surrounding the Alabama Crimson Tide.
In this episode, Hurt and Lamb recap Alabama’s second Signing Day to close out the 2020 recruiting class. While there were a few misses on Wednesday, the Crimson Tide finished with an impressive class overall, addressing several key needs.
