There’s no doubt that Tua Tagovailoa has encouraged and inspired millions of people this season, and that’s exactly why Tagovailao won Kirk Herbstreit’s Ultimate Herbie award, which is presented annually to the player who best represents what college football is about both on and off the field.
Great player. Great teammate. Great leader.
Tua Tagovailoa wins @KirkHerbstreit's Ultimate Herbie award for 2019 🏆 pic.twitter.com/4DfxXA69rN
— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) December 15, 2019
Tagovailoa, who endured a season ending injury against Mississippi State in November, has shown what true leadership looks like. He’s been nothing but supportive for his teammates, and hasn’t missed a game yet. Although the injury cost him the Heisman, he has gained the respect and admiration from so many people with how he has responded to adversity.
Tagovailoa has still not made a clear decision yet on whether he will declare for the NFL Draft, or whether he will return for his senior season. Before suffering the season ending injury, he threw for 2,840 yards, 33 touchdowns and just three interceptions for the season.