Bryce Young's father weighs in on Alabama QB competition, makes interesting comparison
The Alabama quarterback competition is just the latest battle under coach Nick Saban, but given the precedent set only a few years earlier, there is confidence that a fair decision will be reached.
That comes from incoming freshman Bryce Young’s father, who told ESPN that there’s no indication of tension between the two quarterbacks, Mac Jones and Young. Young’s father, Craig, said he thinks the way Alabama handled the competition between Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa was a good model to follow because both quarterbacks were given a fair shake.
“I trust that it will be handled it that way,” he said, adding that his son and Jones are teammates and, “Whoever it is, you want them to be successful. … I don’t want (Bryce) to be crushed over the weight of expectations. Just play. He’ll get on the field when it’s time for him to get on the field.”
But offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian is among those who are impressed.
“You see the natural passer in him,” he said. “You see the natural feel for the game.”
Jones silenced some skeptical Crimson Tide faithful with a strong performance in a loss against Alabama, and big numbers against Michigan in the Citrus Bowl. In the ongoing legacy of Alabama quarterbacks, Jones said he watched another teammate.
“I learned a lot from Tua,” Jones said. “He still helps us out. But it is my team.”
Jones went 3-1 last season as Alabama’s starter following an injury to Tagovailoa, and his best game came against Michigan.
“Mac has done very nicely. He had a very good scrimmage on Saturday,” Saban said. “I think when Mac stays in himself and is concerned about doing what he’s supposed to do and executes and does the things that he’s coached to do, he’s very, very effective. When he stays focused on the play, doesn’t get upset about what happened on the play before, he’s very, very effective.
“He has shown an ability to do that much better this year. I think it’s a sign of maturity and understanding what he has to do to play winning football at his position.”
H/T 247Sports.