Since the turn of the decade, Alabama has quickly become a center for the production of excellent defenders. Whether it was Jalen Hurts, Tua Tagovailoa or Mac Jones, all three have had immense success with Crimson Tide and are ready to take long careers at the next level.
The next quarterback who is expected to join this elite career group is five-star recruit Bryce Young, of California. Since his signing with Crimson Tide, there has been a lot of excitement around the young quarterback, with many believing he has the potential to be the best in the group.
A college football scout believes he has yet another piece of equipment for him and compared it to the great college football Johnny Manziel.
“Simply put, Bryce is a unique player in the position of a defender, unlike any other player that Alabama has played for at university,” Keith Smith of Football showcase said during an appearance on In My Own Words. “But a lot like a guy they probably had nightmares about, speaking of none other than Johnny Manziel, who came to Tuscaloosa and put an ‘L’ on that Roll Tide team a few years ago. So Bryce Young is a unique talent and he will do special things without question in Tuscaloosa. “
If Alabama had the next Johnny Manziel in his hands, it would bode well for Tide, especially with the amount of success he had in the SEC and most notably against Crimson Tide.
Smith did not finish making comparisons during his podcast appearance, as he even connected Young’s game with one of the elite NFL quarterbacks, Russell Wilson. But he still went a step further with his phrase from the California native.
“His young player stance will stand out early on for Alabama fans,” said Smith. “This is not a child who is shaken at any time. I saw him go up by 20, I saw him go down by 14 (he is the same) player. It never gets too high, it never gets too low, just someone who has completely customized the position of defender. You never really saw anything like it.
“I compare it to Russell Wilson on steroids.”
Comparisons like these will only make Alabama’s next spring game much more anticipated to see what the future Crimson Tide signal caller can do.
* Get the best Inside information about Alabama football, message board access and recruitment coverage today! SIGN HERE to unlock our subscriber just content! *
Patrick Dowd is a reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via Pat_Dowd77
