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Returning starters: Tua Tagovailoa (junior)
Starters lost: None
THE STARTER
Tagovailoa was the starter for all of the 2018 season, leading Alabama to a 14-1 record and finishing second in the Heisman Trophy voting.
NEWCOMER TO WATCH
Alabama has two freshmen at the position, Taulia Tagovailoa and Paul Tyson. Both are behind Tua Tagovailoa and backup Mac Jones, but could see action in up to four games and still redshirt.
YOU NEED TO KNOW
Tua Tagovailoa would have to have the greatest passing season in school history to break AJ McCarron’s record for total yardage (9,019) but has a solid chance of breaking McCarron’s record of 77 touchdown passes. Tagovailoa enters the 2019 season with 54 scoring passes.
OUTLOOK
Tagovailoa will go down as an all-time great with just an average season but is looking for far more. Jones looks like a solid backup after a strong fall camp.
KEY STAT
5
Although he throws a football left-handed, Tagovailoa is a natural right-hander. His father, Galu, taught Tua to throw left-handed beginning when Tua was 5 years old.
QUOTABLE
“We’re happy with Tua’s performance to this point. I think offensively we’re good.”
— Alabama coach Nick Saban following the Crimson Tide’s second fall scrimmage
