Spring game reaction: Alabama is absolutely loaded at QB
Saturday was not a good day for people thinking that quarterback will be Alabama's downfall in 2017.
The quarterback position was certainly the Crimson Tide's downfall in the final two games of last season, as Jalen Hurts combined to complete just 20 of 45 passes for 188 yards and one touchdown in the College Football Playoff.
A raucous crowd of 74,326 gathered in Tuscaloosa on Saturday for the annual A-Day Spring Game hoping to see progress heading into the 2017 season, and they were not disappointed. It wasn't just Hurts who showed a great step forward in his development, but fans were treated to a quarterback clinic by highly touted freshman Tua Tagovailoa as well.
Both signal-callers shone against a rebuilt Crimson Tide defense, combining for over 600 yards passing and five touchdowns.
| Stat | Hurts | Tagovailoa |
|---|---|---|
| Passing | 16/25 | 17/29 |
| Yards | 301 | 313 |
| Touchdowns | 2 | 3 |
| Interceptions | 1 | 1 |
While Alabama fans are familiar with Hurts' work from his SEC offensive player of the year-winning campaign last season, it was Tagovailoa's first chance to impress the rabid fanbase, and he did not disappoint.
The nation's top-ranked dual-threat quarterback in the class of 2017 didn't waste much time showing off his incredible arm, dropping in a perfect touch pass early in the contest for his first touchdown.
Great touch by Tagovailoa on his first TD pic.twitter.com/9yQlbS9zXK
— SEC Mike (@MichaelWBratton) April 22, 2017
Hurts also looked great in his first action under new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, threatening the defense with both his legs and arm.
The performance is certainly a welcome sight after head coach Nick Saban told reporters earlier in the week that Hurts was "protected, not developed" last year as a starter.
Saturday showed that Hurts is more than ready to advance his skill set as the Crimson Tide starting quarterback, and that Tagovailoa is as strong a second-option as there is in the country.