Mac Jones Named Starting Alabama QB

By WVUA 23 Sports Reporter Tatumn Vaught 

NFL Mocks

On Monday, Coach Nick Saban announced that Mac Jones will be the starting quarterback for the Crimson Tide this season. Although it was no surprise, Jones was competing against true Freshman Bryce Young for the spot.

Jones, a redshirt junior, was the backup to Tua Tagovailoa last fall until he had to rise to the occasion when Tagovailoa suffered a season-ending hip injury. Jones stepped up to start for the remainder of the Tide’s season against Western Carolina, Auburn, and the VRBO Citrus Bowl vs Michigan.

Although the Tide lost against Auburn, ending their chance at a spot in the CFB Playoffs, Jones performed well considering the circumstances he was under.

“Mac has had a really good camp. He really played well in the last scrimmage and he’s done a good job of taking a leadership role. I think he’s playing with a lot of confidence, and I think our players have confidence in him. So, you know, we’re pleased with his development,” said Saban in a press conference on Monday.

Jones threw for 1,503 passing yards in the 2019 season and completed 14 touchdowns. The Jacksonville, Florida, native discussed with the media how he believes he has worked very hard this offseason and has earned the starting spot, despite having 5-star freshman Young right on his tail.

“I’m really thankful to be named that position. I think I’ve earned the trust in my teammates and coaches, but like I said we just gotta keep working as a team and focus on this upcoming game, because you know you gotta go in there and execute and do your job, and that’s for everybody not just the starting quarterback. Anybody has to be ready to play and we all have to be ready to go for Saturday,” said Jones.

Saban made the announcement ahead of Saturday’s season opener against the Missouri Tigers. Although the Tide is favored by 27 points this weekend, Saban emphasized that it is key that the players focus and still do their job.

“I think it’s important that Mac plays within himself, executes what we need him to execute in terms of distributing the ball, and just do his job. I think the players around him know how important it is for them to do their job so their quarterback can function effectively,” said Saban.

The Crimson Tide will kick off in Columbia at 6 p.m. Their first home game will be next week when the Texas A&M Aggies travel to Tuscaloosa.