Heading into the Alabama-Louisville game, the biggest “quarterback” storyline centered around which Crimson Tide signal-caller would take the first snap. As it turns out, there was a time it could have been Louisville QB Jawon Pass if things had gone a little differently. Instead, he’s trying to upset lead Bobby Petrino’s squad in an upset of UA.

Here are 5 things to know about the Cardinals QB:

1. Alabama was one of his three finalists in 2016

This week, the Louisville Courier Journal ran a fascinating feature recounting the recruitment of Pass in the class of 2016. Pass committed to Louisville on July 16, 2015, but he kept his options up until National Signing Day and entertained flipping to Alabama or Auburn as the the cycle came to a close.

In the feature, it’s clear that Nick Saban wanted Pass badly at Alabama. He ultimately made the decision to go to Louisville. Don’t feel too bad for the Crimson Tide, UA signed Jalen Hurts in the 2016 class.

2. Other SEC schools and coaches recruited him, too

As a 4-star dual-threat quarterback, Pass had a number of potential suitors. In addition to Alabama and Auburn, Florida, LSU, Mississippi State, Missouri, Ole Miss and Texas A&M all recruited him. A bonus SEC recruiting connection: Arkansas coach Chad Morris was Pass’ primary recruiter at Clemson, where Morris was the offensive coordinator.

3. Those SEC schools had their reasons for seeking out Pass

With an impressive mix of height (6-4), size (209 pounds) and speed (4.50 40-yard dash time), Pass was rated the No. 5 dual-threat quarterback, No. 19 Georgia product and No. 204 recruit overall in the 2016 class on the 247Sports Composite.

4. Now is Pass’ chance to shine

College football fans should know why Pass was an elite 2016 recruit, but is only getting a chance to play now. The last two seasons, it was all about Lamar Jackson in Louisville.

In 2016, Jackson won the Heisman Trophy as a sophomore. He returned for the 2017 season, but oped to head to the NFL instead of returning for a senior season. Jackson was selected in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens.

5. He’s a Peach State product

Pass is a native of Columbus, Ga. and a product of Carver High School, where he was coached by current UGA assistant Dell McGee.