Steve Spurrier likes what he sees in Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
The “Head Ball Coach” was in Birmingham on Saturday as the Orlando Apollos visited the Birmingham Iron in an Alliance of American Football game. Following the Apollos’ 31-14 victory, Spurrier was asked about what he thought of Tagovailoa.
“He’s a good player. That’s why their pass offense is above most people, is because Tua throws a nice catchable ball,” Spurrier said.
Tagovailoa and the Crimson Tide began spring drills on Friday before taking the next week off for spring break. Tagovailoa, a junior, threw for 3,966 yards with 43 touchdowns and six interceptions last season.
“He’s definitely the favorite for the Heisman this year,” Spurrier said. “He’s an excellent player and a wonderful young man.”
According to Westgate Las Vegas Superbook, Tagovailoa is a 5/2 favorite to win the Heisman. Clemson sophomore quarterback Trevor Lawrence is at 3/1 while former Alabama QB Jalen Hurts, who transferred to Oklahoma this past offseason, is in at 6/1. Spurrier won the 1966 Heisman Trophy as Florida’s quarterback.
Before the Apollos’ game with the Iron, the former South Carolina and Florida coach got to meet Tagovailoa’s dad, Galu.
“I talked to Tua’s dad and got to know him and he’s an interesting man. He’s a good personality guy and so forth,” Spurrier said. “He told me we were going to have a good day throwing, but I told him we were going to have to wait and see. He seems to have been watching us play.”
