Sports
Tua Tagovailoa: Alabama Star Will Enter NFL Draft
Crimson Tide quarterback Tua Tagovailoa says he will forgo his senior season at Alabama and enter the NFL draft.
TUSCALOOSA, AL — After weeks of speculation, University of Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa announced Monday he will forgo his senior season and enter the 2020 NFL draft.
"I can't express how grateful I am to have attended best college in the world at Alabama," Tagovailoa said. "My love for the University of Alabama has made this decision especially difficult."
Tagovailoa was 22-2 as a starter at Alabama. He holds all-time records at Alabama for completion percentage, career passing touchdowns and QB rating. His 7,442 passing yards rank No. 3 in Alabama history.
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The Heisman Trophy runner-up in 2018, Tagovailoa also holds single-season records at Alabama for passing yards, touchdowns, games with 300 passing yards and four-touchdown games. He was the 2018 Maxwell Award winner and the SEC Offensive Player of the Year in 2018 and an All American selection.
On his way to another stellar season in 2019, Tagovailoa fractured his hip in a game against Mississippi State this season and is still undergoing rehabilitation for the injury. He is expected to be among the first quarterbacks selected in the 2020 NFL draft.
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Alabama head coach Nick Saban expressed his appreciation for what Tagovailoa has contributed to the football team and to the entire school.
"Tua has had probably more of an impact on Alabama than any player we have ever had," Saban said. "He has had great accomplishments on the field, but he has had amazing accomplishments off the field as well. I know this has been a very difficult decision for him and his family."
Alabama underclassmen who have also opted to enter the NFL draft are:
- Jerry Jeudy, WR
- Terrell Lewis, LB
- Xavier McKinney, DB
- Henry Ruggs III, WR
- Jedrick Wills, OL
Linebacker Dylan Moses, offensive lineman Alex Leatherwood and wide receiver Devonta Smith have already said they will stay at Alabama for their senior seasons. Running back Najee Harris, also a junior, has not declared his intentions for next season. Players have until Jan. 20 to enter the draft.
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