Alabama QB competition article

[Bamabuzzard]

Danielson nailed it. He said what has been said ad nausem. I thought Danielson was very respectful in his critique of Jalen. Pointing out all the good things he brings to the table but in spite of all the good things he does bring. He simply doesn't know how to play quarterback and Tua does. It's that simple.

On a side note. Danielson sure has aged.

 

[B1GTide]

On a side note. Danielson sure has aged.

Yeah, he seems to finally have come to terms with his age and is letting it show. He is 66 - he has earned those gray hairs and wrinkles.

 

[bamafaninOhiO]

That's pretty specific right there. But it also speaks to the locker room frustration from last year and CNS understanding that can't happen this year.

This is the second comment today that indicates the job is tipping toward Tua.

We all saw the change in the team once Tua came on in the second half....everyone on the team felt the offense come alive and fed off that energy; receivers were running the routes and not slowing down, and the defense got a step quicker and more energized too...not to even mention that the Georgia defense had to play honest instead of crowding EVERYONE within 5 yards of the line....

I believe that CNS knows he will start Tua if he was forced to pick one at this point, but wants to give JAlen every opportunity to change that on the field in fall practice.

Personally, I think Tua has more upside as a QB, but I truly love and respect what Jalens done, and the professional manner hes done it in...both are quality young men.

 

[4Q Basket Case]

So I was just listening to Sirius/XM's coverage of Media Days, and GMac asked Coach Saban about this. Well, he first got a smile (I am picturing it in my head that way, anyhow) from Saban by asking how he was going to handle the RB competition. Coach said the same way they handle every competition. Then they moved on to the real question of QB. Coach said what he have already heard about winning the team. GMac asked him what that looks like. Coach talked about both sides playing with enthusiasm, etc. Then he said the interesting part that we all knew but I haven't quite heard from him before. He said you could see enthusiasm in a WR who is running a route knowing that if he does his job and gets open, the QB will see that happen and be able to get him the ball. We all know only one of the two in question fit that bill.

Several comments Saban has made are highly consistent and indicate a strong preference for Tua’s skill set, both tangible and intangible. He’s also said nothing to indicate a preference for Jalen’s tangible skill set -- everybody acknowledges that his intangibles are unassailable, at least from an outside perspective.

Saban hasn’t announced anything because Jalen deserves a chance to prove he's gotten better...a set of circumstances I don’t think anybody expects. But Jalen has been a fine player and a total class act, and he deserves that opportunity.

I have no inside information whatsoever, but I think Saban has already made the decision, barring a monumental development neither he nor anybody else expects.

 

[B1GTide]

Several comments Saban has made are highly consistent and indicate a strong preference for Tua’s skill set, both tangible and intangible. He’s also said nothing to indicate a preference for Jalen’s tangible skill set.

Saban hasn’t announced anything because Jalen deserves a chance to prove he's gotten better...a set of circumstances I don’t think anybody expects. But Jalen has been a fine player and a total class act, and he deserves that opportunity.

I have no inside information whatsoever, but I think Saban has already made the decision, barring a monumental development neither he nor anybody else expects.

Tua also deserves a chance to prove that he is better. As the starter. JMO, but Tua deserves it more than Jalen because Jalen has had far more chances than he.

 

[TomFromBama]

So I was just listening to Sirius/XM's coverage of Media Days, and GMac asked Coach Saban about this. Well, he first got a smile (I am picturing it in my head that way, anyhow) from Saban by asking how he was going to handle the RB competition. Coach said the same way they handle every competition. Then they moved on to the real question of QB. Coach said what he have already heard about winning the team. GMac asked him what that looks like. Coach talked about both sides playing with enthusiasm, etc. Then he said the interesting part that we all knew but I haven't quite heard from him before. He said you could see enthusiasm in a WR who is running a route knowing that if he does his job and gets open, the QB will see that happen and be able to get him the ball. We all know only one of the two in question fit that bill.

Several comments Saban has made are highly consistent and indicate a strong preference for Tua’s skill set, both tangible and intangible. He’s also said nothing to indicate a preference for Jalen’s tangible skill set.

Saban hasn’t announced anything because Jalen deserves a chance to prove he's gotten better...a set of circumstances I don’t think anybody expects. But Jalen has been a fine player and a total class act, and he deserves that opportunity.

I have no inside information whatsoever, but I think Saban has already made the decision, barring a monumental development neither he nor anybody else expects.

Agree, Agree, Agree, Agree. Post of the day - both RedWave and 4Q.

 

[CaliforniaTide]

I was listening to 3 Man Front and I think it was Aaron Suttles that brought it up, but really, we have three people in this situation who are looking out for either their or the team's best interests; Jalen and Tua are looking out for their own, and they should. CNS is looking out for the team in the sense that no matter who he ultimately picks as the starting QB, he wants the other one to stay especially in the case of long-term injury. I think he's also pushed the 4-game rule for redshirting as an alternative, especially for Jalen, "Hey stay this year, graduate in December, and you'll still have 2 years to play 2."

 

[Bamabuzzard]

I was listening to 3 Man Front and I think it was Aaron Suttles that brought it up, but really, we have three people in this situation who are looking out for either their or the team's best interests; Jalen and Tua are looking out for their own, and they should. CNS is looking out for the team in the sense that no matter who he ultimately picks as the starting QB, he wants the other one to stay especially in the case of long-term injury. I think he's also pushed the 4-game rule for redshirting as an alternative, especially for Jalen, "Hey stay this year, graduate in December, and you'll still have 2 years to play 2."

I believe in the Gary Danielson interview, he said he felt this was the best option for Jalen as well.

 

[BamaInBham]

Great, perceptive interview. It was also interesting that GD also feels that Jalen felt pressure last year from the knowledge that Tua is better. Can't remember if GD said it, but IMO, Jalen was relieved when Tua entered vs UGA.

CNS keeps saying, among other things, that he wants someone who will distribute the ball. Tua is better at that both on RPOs and of course passing. It's fairly obvious who the selection will be barring unforeseen circumstances. It has been since the end of last year. A lot of unnecessary angst has been experienced among the Tide faithful. Thankfully, the board has probably been comforted at Media Days :smile:.

 

[GrayTide]

I was listening to 3 Man Front and I think it was Aaron Suttles that brought it up, but really, we have three people in this situation who are looking out for either their or the team's best interests; Jalen and Tua are looking out for their own, and they should. CNS is looking out for the team in the sense that no matter who he ultimately picks as the starting QB, he wants the other one to stay especially in the case of long-term injury. I think he's also pushed the 4-game rule for redshirting as an alternative, especially for Jalen, "Hey stay this year, graduate in December, and you'll still have 2 years to play 2."

So you are saying Jalen can only play in 4 games this season. If he plays in more than 4 games, graduates in December, he only has 1 year of eligibly left.

 

[4Q Basket Case]

Assuming all the talking heads and the TF board (including me) are right, and Tua wins the job.....

If I'm Jalen, I transfer before the season starts.

Here's why -- I've clearly lost out to someone the coaches think is a better player. The nightmare scenario is that Tua gets hurt early in the year.

If that's the case, one of two things happen, and neither are good:
1. I play and spend the year in Tuscaloosa knowing I'm a caretaker. Then transfer after graduation in December, and have only one year left to play. Or....

2. Mac Jones steps in for Tua, meaning either I'm #3, or I look like a prima donna not giving it up for the team I'm on.

Avoid the drama, leave while everybody understands everybody's motivations, and we part friends.

 

[CraigD]

Assuming all the talking heads and the TF board (including me) are right, and Tua wins the job.....
If I'm Jalen, I transfer before the season starts.

Don't think so. I think he stays, graduates (which I understand he is on track to do), then (if he wants to change schools) he can be a graduate transfer and not have to sit out a season. He can even play up to four games at Bama and not lose his redshirt year... then he'd have two years to play somewhere else.

 

[4Q Basket Case]

Don't think so. I think he stays, graduates (which I understand he is on track to do), then (if he wants to change schools) he can be a graduate transfer and not have to sit out a season. He can even play up to four games at Bama and not lose his redshirt year... then he'd have two years to play somewhere else.

I get that. The issue is, what happens if Tua gets hurt and the backup has to play in more than four games? Now, Jalen is either relegated to being third string, or burns a year toward an end that isn't real clear, especially if his goal remains to be an NFL QB.

Note: I think that NFL QB thing is really the father's goal. It's a pipe dream. He has NFL talent at another position -- maybe RB, maybe TE/HB, and maybe outside LB -- but not QB.

 

[CraigD]

I get that. The issue is, what happens if Tua gets hurt and the backup has to play in more than four games? Now, Jalen is either relegated to being third string, or burns a year toward an end that isn't real clear, especially if his goal remains to be an NFL QB.
Note: I think that NFL QB thing is really the father's goal. It's a pipe dream. He has NFL talent at another position -- maybe RB, maybe TE/HB, and maybe outside LB -- but not QB.

I think a situation like that is something that would be an unintended consequence of the new redshirt rule. If your scenario happens I guess Jalen will have a decision to make at that point... play more than four games and lose the redshirt year or tell coach, "No, I won't play. I'm out of here." If there are more than four games left in the season, though, what's the harm to him? In that case he would be the long-term (or at least medium-term) QB at Alabama and likely finish the season as the QB - which is what he desires I would guess. Good for him. (Yes, his pride may be hurt a bit.) ...or if he really doesn't want to lose the redshirt because he does intend to transfer after year end, then he and Coach Saban will need to have had a very frank conversation ahead of time. In that case I guess Mac Jones will have a maximum of four games to prepare himself to be The Man and finish the season.

I still think this is the most likely scenario: Tua starts; Jalen plays and either has a planned role in the offense or is held back to only play in four games or less - barring unforeseen circumstances.

I suppose I really don't know anything, though. It's only speculation and I fully acknowledge that you could be right and I could be wrong.

 

[B1GTide]

Assuming all the talking heads and the TF board (including me) are right, and Tua wins the job.....

If I'm Jalen, I transfer before the season starts.

I would, too. Frankly, I am surprised that he has not done so already.

 

[tusks_n_raider]

If that's the case, one of two things happen, and neither are good:
1. I play and spend the year in Tuscaloosa knowing I'm a caretaker. Then transfer after graduation in December, and have only one year left to play. Or....

2. Mac Jones steps in for Tua, meaning either I'm #3, or I look like a prima donna not giving it up for the team I'm on.

Avoid the drama, leave while everybody understands everybody's motivations, and we part friends.

I completely understand your point of view but it's possible for the 2nd scenario to play out w/ less drama.

Let's say some medical situation happens with Tua in game 4. I agree that would be a nightmare right off the bat.

But thanks to this new 4 game RS rule it's possible that Jalen would be willing to Start/Play in games 5-8 in a mentor/transitional role.

This allows Mac to also gets a lot of playing time off the bench in critical situations to get him ready to take over for games 9-15 so Jalen can use the RS and not lose eligibility.

My thought is if/WHEN Jalen can't overtake Tua he would automatically be in a 'Break Only in Case of Emergency' situation.

Mac should be the only one coming in for mop-up duty late in games. This is to keep those 4 games Jalen can play and still RS in reserve.

Of course who knows if things could go this cordially or if such a 'gentleman's agreement' could be reached.

If/WHEN he loses the competition he might split from hurt feelings? Who knows?

But I still think it would be smarter for him to stay and finish his degree and then transfer with 2 years of eligibility left.

If he just leaves right away.... yes his 2 years are guaranteed...BUT.... he would lose basically all his JR/SR school credits.

Most Universities only take FR/SO transfer credits and he would effectively have to start his Major all over again and repeat 2 years worth of classes.

To me this REALLY needs to be considered. Because as much as I respect and love the guy he will never be an NFL QB. He needs to get that Degree 'just in case' because he has Leadership, Teamwork, and Calm under pressure skills that would all translate well into the working world.

 

[B1GTide]

If Jalen transfers, you can bet your life that every credit that he has earned at Alabama would be accepted by the school that takes him. He is an athlete. It would be a part of the transfer agreement.

 

[JustNeedMe81]

I completely understand your point of view but it's possible for the 2nd scenario to play out w/ less drama.

Let's say some medical situation happens with Tua in game 4. I agree that would be a nightmare right off the bat.

But thanks to this new 4 game RS rule it's possible that Jalen would be willing to Start/Play in games 5-8 in a mentor/transitional role.

This allows Mac to also gets a lot of playing time off the bench in critical situations to get him ready to take over for games 9-15 so Jalen can use the RS and not lose eligibility.

My thought is if/WHEN Jalen can't overtake Tua he would automatically be in a 'Break Only in Case of Emergency' situation.

Mac should be the only one coming in for mop-up duty late in games. This is to keep those 4 games Jalen can play and still RS in reserve.

Of course who knows if things could go this cordially or if such a 'gentleman's agreement' could be reached.

If/WHEN he loses the competition he might split from hurt feelings? Who knows?

But I still think it would be smarter for him to stay and finish his degree and then transfer with 2 years of eligibility left.

If he just leaves right away.... yes his 2 years are guaranteed...BUT.... he would lose basically all his JR/SR school credits.

Most Universities only take FR/SO transfer credits and he would effectively have to start his Major all over again and repeat 2 years worth of classes.

To me this REALLY needs to be considered. Because as much as I respect and love the guy he will never be an NFL QB. He needs to get that Degree 'just in case' because he has Leadership, Teamwork, and Calm under pressure skills that would all translate well into the working world.

Trust me, they will take him.

 

[TIDE-HSV]

I completely understand your point of view but it's possible for the 2nd scenario to play out w/ less drama.

Let's say some medical situation happens with Tua in game 4. I agree that would be a nightmare right off the bat.

But thanks to this new 4 game RS rule it's possible that Jalen would be willing to Start/Play in games 5-8 in a mentor/transitional role.

This allows Mac to also gets a lot of playing time off the bench in critical situations to get him ready to take over for games 9-15 so Jalen can use the RS and not lose eligibility.

My thought is if/WHEN Jalen can't overtake Tua he would automatically be in a 'Break Only in Case of Emergency' situation.

Mac should be the only one coming in for mop-up duty late in games. This is to keep those 4 games Jalen can play and still RS in reserve.

Of course who knows if things could go this cordially or if such a 'gentleman's agreement' could be reached.

If/WHEN he loses the competition he might split from hurt feelings? Who knows?

But I still think it would be smarter for him to stay and finish his degree and then transfer with 2 years of eligibility left.

If he just leaves right away.... yes his 2 years are guaranteed...BUT.... he would lose basically all his JR/SR school credits.

Most Universities only take FR/SO transfer credits and he would effectively have to start his Major all over again and repeat 2 years worth of classes.

To me this REALLY needs to be considered. Because as much as I respect and love the guy he will never be an NFL QB. He needs to get that Degree 'just in case' because he has Leadership, Teamwork, and Calm under pressure skills that would all translate well into the working world.

If a school wants him, every hour will count, believe me. Athletes dwell in a different world than everyday students...

 

[CaliforniaTide]

So you are saying Jalen can only play in 4 games this season. If he plays in more than 4 games, graduates in December, he only has 1 year of eligibly left.

Well, yes, provided that he doesn't play in more than 4 games, as you point out. But there's no restriction as to when those 4 games have to occur during the season.