TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – University of Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa announced at a press conference on Monday that he will forego his senior season to enter the 2020 NFL Draft.
Jerry Jeudy, Xavier McKinney and Jedrick Wills Jr. announced earlier on social media that they will also enter the Draft. Alex Leatherwood, Dylan Moses and DeVonta Smith have confirmed they will return to Alabama for their final year of eligibility.
Head football coach Nick Saban spoke at Monday’s press conference and praised Tagovailoa for his contributions to the program over the past three years.
“Tua has probably had as much of an impact on our program here as any player we have ever had. I am not just talking about as a football player. He has got great character; he is a great leader and he has done a wonderful job in the classroom. There is a spirit about him that has impacted myself and everybody around him,” Saban said. “He has had great accomplishments on the field, but you probably don’t really fully understand the significance of the contributions he made off of the field with his teammates and with people.”
Saban continued,
“He helped continue the streak to nine of 11-win seasons. He has won a national championship. He has won an SEC championship. He has also helped us to extend the streak of being in the top 10 to 12 seasons. I don’t think his contribution is fully appreciated, because it has been outstanding. He is on course to graduate; I think you need 17 credits or something to graduate. I don’t think he has ever been in my office the whole time he has been here for anything but something that is positive in terms of helping him or helping the rest of our program.”
After Saban’s remarks, Tagovailoa took the podium to announce his decision, thanking his friends, family, teammates, coaches and fans for the support he’s had in his three seasons at Alabama.
“I have had a difficult time making this decision. I want to thank my lord and savior Jesus Christ. My love for the University of Alabama, our coaches, our fans and my teammates has made this hard for me. I have had the advice and counsel of my parents, my family and coaches. Without further ado, with lots of prayers, thoughts and guidance I have decided that I will be declaring and entering the 2020 NFL draft. My three years at the University of Alabama have been a roller coaster. I could not be happier to know that with all of the success and failures I have had here; it has prepared me for life in general. I cannot express how grateful I am. The biggest thing I will remember with my time here are the memories I’ve made with my friends, family and loved ones.”
Tagovailoa finished his Crimson Tide career with 7,442 passing yards, 87 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He added 340 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground.
Get all the latest information on the team by following @AlabamaFTBL on Twitter and Facebook and AlabamaFBL on Instagram. General athletic news can also be found at UA_Athletics on Twitter and Instagram and AlabamaAthletics on Facebook.
Tua DecisionTUA TIME: Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa will announce his decision whether to stay in school or leave for the NFL bit.ly/TuaNFLdraft
Posted by WVTM 13 on Monday, January 6, 2020
