re: Class of 2017 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: Say Your Goodbyes Edition

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More than 4,000 miles west of Tuscaloosa, an integral part of Alabama's offensive future flourishes for Hawaiian heavyweight St. Louis High School.

Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, orchestrating the same offensive attack that once starred Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota, decimates defenses with dual-threat capabilities that make him among the most coveted recruits in the 2017 class.

He threw 33 touchdowns and just three interceptions as a junior, tallied 2,583 passing yards and 576 rushing yards (6.6 per attempt) last fall. Midway through his senior season, Tagovailoa is now less than 500 yards shy of the all-time career state passing record (8,001), according to Hawaii Prep World.

Considered a relatively unknown commodity earlier this cycle, he earned an invitation to Elite 11 finals after attending an Oakland, California, regional showcase. He proceeded to impress peers and coaches alike en route to The Opening, where Tagovailoa earned Elite 11 MVP honors and overall seven-on-seven tournament MVP recognition.

This six-week stretch of pressure-packed competition lasted from late May through early July, helping alleviate concerns about his ability to adapt to the Crimson Tide offense.

"After what I've seen from him [at Elite 11 finals in Los Angeles] and being with him [at The Opening], I'm so impressed with him and I think the sky is the limit for him," Elite 11 instructor Matt James told Bleacher Report's Sanjay Kirpalani. "If he gets in that offense and he does what he did here, watch out."

Now well underway with his final prep season before joining forces with Alabama head coach Nick Saban and offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin, Tagovailoa warrants a greater spotlight than ever. Let's dig in here with our latest B/R breakdown.

The Basics

High School: St. Louis (Honolulu, Hawaii)

Size: 6'1", 216 lbs

Recruitment Status: Committed to Alabama on May 2

Prospect Assessment

-He was undoubtedly the most galvanizing figure we've seen emerge in Elite 11 process.

-Seven-on-seven teammates at The Opening became supporters immediately but this sentiment wasn't exclusive to them. Tagovailoa led a bible study during the event and alpha players were drawn to him.

--star receiver KJ Hamler (from Detroit area): "Tua is the happiest, most energetic person I've ever met in my life."

-Answered the bell in a big way for Elite 11 staff, who challenged Tagovailoa to retrain himself fundamentally to flourish from under center. He posted the top "Pro Day" score at Elite 11 finals.

-Exudes a quiet confidence expressed through calmness in the pocket and an almost constant smirk across his face; the kind of guy you want 10 teammates to turn to in the huddle during crunch time.

-Some quarterback recruits—even blue-chip prospects—noticeably force themselves to show leadership. It occurs naturally in this case and he's comfortable as pressure mounts.

-A serious rushing threat who can bolt by defenders off the edge and routinely evade pressure by rotating beyond the pocket.

-Also shreds opponents without bringing his fleet feet into the equation. Tagovailoa, a left-handed thrower, implements a blend of velocity and touch that others struggle to master at this stage of their career.

-Whether he's targeting a running back behind scrimmage or a receiver streaking 40 yards downfield, pass attempts are crisp and consistent, with limited wobble to impede trajectory.

-Though Tagovailoa doesn't possess prototypical 5-star size; he carries an excellent physique at 6'1" with a strong base.

-Quick response to defensive alignment combines with a rapid release, allowing him to flick darts downfield with limited time.

-Launches accurate long-distance attempts that measure up against the best quarterbacks in this class.

Tagovailoa doesn't simply rely on physical gifts, looking off defenders during the initial progressions of a play before adjusting his sight line to sling it toward an intended target.

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