SEC football: Ranking top 5 quarterbacks heading into 2020

After losing Tua Tagovailoa, Nick Saban will rely on his sturdy backup quarterback in 2019 to lead the Crimson Tide.

Mac Jones was essentially thrown into the starting role last year after Tagovailoa suffered a leg injury against Mississippi State. Jones relished his opportunity and competed the minute he stepped onto the field as the Crimson Tide’s new passer.

He threw for over 1,500 yards and 14 touchdowns despite starting in limited games.

Thankfully, Alabama isn’t a program where backups never see the field. By virtue of dismantling teams in the first half, Jones played in every game during the 2019 season.

The only obstacle in Mac’s path for 2020 happens to be the incoming five-star freshman quarterback, Bryce Young. But experience is certainly in Jones’ favor and the Crimson Tide will expect to see the redshirt junior take the field as the starting quarterback unless Young proves to be the better player.

Jones will have plenty of talent around him and shouldn’t have too many issues finding playmakers to take some weight off of his shoulders. Najee Harris will be returning for another monstrous year and the receiver position will reload despite losing two of the best pass catchers in the NCAA.

The only real knock surrounding Jones is his arm strength which happened to get him into some trouble after lobbing interceptions to Auburn in the final game of the regular season.

In contrast, his real strength lies between his ears. Jones has had two years to prepare for this moment and should know Saban’s playbook front and back. And while he lacks in the athleticism department, Jones should have success finding targets behind one of the best offensive line squads in college football.

Last season, Tua had some optimistic words for Jones after being asked how the quarterback would fair as the starting quarterback going forward.

"“… He’s a very capable passer, and as long as he plays within himself and takes what the defense gives and reads the things as he’s coached to do it and doesn’t get outside of that and then doesn’t really try to make things and make plays that aren’t there, he does great.”"

If he’s right, Alabama football will have a lot to be excited about heading into 2020.

Jones has waited two full seasons for the chance to be the day one starter. It’s time to take advantage of the situation.