The first period of National Signing Day will take place on December 20, 2017, and the second period will take place on February 7, 2018. Alabama coaches continue to pursue key targets to fulfill the Class of 2018 and all this week on BamaInsider.com, our staff will provide insight to where Alabama stands with the current roster and highlight key targets to know at each position on the recruiting board.
Today's Breakdown: Quarterback
Projecting ahead to when the 2018 class would arrive, here are the known scholarship players with returning eligibility for the 2018 season (that season’s class indicated):
Depth at quarterback
Jalen Hurts - Jr.
Tua Tagovaioloa - So.
Mac Jones - RS Fr.
2018 Quarterback commitments
None
Position overview by BamaInsider Team Writer Tony Tsoukalas
The only problem Alabama has at quarterback is that it can only have one starter. The Crimson Tide has depth at the position unmatched by any other time in the Nick Saban era.
Jalen Hurts is 24-2 as a starter and won the SEC Offensive Player of the Year award during his freshman season last year. While the sophomore hasn’t quite progressed in the passing game this season the way most would have liked, he still offers a dual-threat ability that is tough to defend. He has also proven able to come through in the clutch and does some of his best work when the game is on the line.
Next on the list is true freshman Tua Tagovailoa, who has dazzled with his arm during his limited action this season. Tagovailoa doesn’t have the same mobility as Hurts but can also evade defenders and offers more touch in the passing game. Like any young player, his decision making needs to improve. However, he has all the tools necessary to be an elite passer at the next level. Fellow true freshman Mac Jones, who is redshirting this season, is more of a true pocket passer but also has the necessary skill set to succeed at the next level.
Alabama seems set at the position, but with quarterbacks, you never know. Because only one player can start, it’s difficult to keep so many quality passers happy on the roster. It will be interesting to see if either Jones or Tagovailoa decides to transfer if they don’t win the starting job next season.
