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

quote:

---

Alabama QB pledge Tagovailoa has 'it' factor

It's been a good year for Honolulu 4-star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. An Elite 11 MVP, a U.S. Army All-American Bowl invitation and a state championship—the first for Saint Louis School since 2010, according to Brandi Higa of KITV—sit highly on his football resume. Not to mention that he finished his senior season as Hawaii's all-time high school passing leader, per Billy Hull of Hawaii Prep World.

Tagovailoa, who officially visited Alabama over the weekend, is now preparing for next-level competition. He sees what freshman Jalen Hurts is doing for Alabama, and it gives him hope to come in and show his worth.

"I don't think it's something amazing for me to hear [a] freshman is starting. It's more so just getting the opportunity to compete for a spot as Jalen did," Tagovailoa said. "Some college coaches don't play the best guy; they play the most experienced guy. Listening to [head coach Nick] Saban, he's going to play the best. That's what I like best."

Tagovailoa said he's excited about being in the same backfield as running back commit Najee Harris, the top-ranked player in the 2017 class. He also said he's hoping to add one wide receiver to an already-loaded class.

"I think Devonta Smith is going to make his decision on signing day," Tagovailoa said. "The first time I met him was at Coach Saban's NSFC Camp. He's a great person, not only on the field, but off the field. I got time to fellowship with him during lunch breaks. He's just someone you want to surround yourself with."

The Alabama class is loaded with 5-star and 4-star athletes, but Elite 11 coach Matt James believes Tagovailoa is a special type of player who can be the leader among a large group of alpha dogs.

"As a leader, he has that 'it' factor. There's something about him where kids—and even coaches—gravitate to him," James said. "We saw him early at All Poly camps in junior high going into high school. We knew then there was something special with him. We just felt he needed to be honed and polished.

"If all things work out, he should be a very successful player, not only for what he does on the field, but for who he is off the field. With a kid like that, it's easy to go on and on about him."

---