Scouting Bryce Young with Bryce Young
The post Tua Tagovailoa era at Alabama has officially begun following the storied quarterbacks departure for the NFL Monday.
So what's next?
Mac Jones has been rock solid in replacing the national title hero, Taulia Tagovailoa is on campus as is fellow legacy Paul Tyson -- but so is Bryce Young. The SI All-American, who just took home All-American Bowl MVP honors on Saturday, has moved to Tuscaloosa for good.
It's clear the 5'11'' freshman brings a different skill set to the table compared to the rest of the quarterback room, something he broke down for SI All-American recently (video above).
"Being a dual-threat, in the true sense of the name, is being able to do both equally as well," Young said. "People hear dual-threat and they think of someone who is a better runner, or a running back playing quarterback, I don't feel like that should take away from my throwing ability, it should be about being equal. Being able to do both at a very high level.
"My favorite quarterback in the league is Aaron Rodgers. The way he can manipulate himself, as far as throwing angle, the ability to extend plays in the pocket while making sure he has his eyes down field as a passer is something I strive to be. It's something I model my game after."
The competition to lead Nick Saban's program is officially underway and none of the quarterbacks on the current roster have the prep accolades Young has to his name.
In addition to a mythical national championship in 2018 as Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei Academy took down programs like IMG Academy and area rival St. John Bosco, Young led the Monarchs to a state championship and 27 wins over the last two seasons. Other national powers he helped defeat during that time include St. Frances Academy of Baltimore, St. John's College Prep out of Washington, D.C., and Las Vegas' Bishop Gorman in addition to every in-state challenger like De La Salle.
As a senior, Young registered 4,528 passing yards and 68 total touchdowns (10 rushing) while completing 72 percent of his passes. His career numbers are just as gaudy with 13,250 passing yards, good enough for third in the state of California's history. The final tally, most importantly, includes 47 wins in 53 games as a four-year varsity starter, where he compiled 152 touchdown passes.
Young does check in at 185 pounds or so, commonly the only con for onlookers breaking down his game. He's embraced that fact.
"That's definitely something I've been battling my whole life," he said. "Kind of changing that narrative, guys like Kyler Murray, Baker (Mayfield) and Drew Brees are 'undersized' guys that are being successful at the highest level. It's helped my case but you learn to deal with the challenges as far as being less than the prototype.
"It's a lot of mental, it's not like I'm going to the next level and just get short. I've been dealing with it."
Young is healthy and set to begin classes at Alabama this week.