Former Alabama QB Jonathan Richey Breaks Down Jalen vs. Tua [Audio]

The Alabama Crimson Tide is nearly three months away from kicking off the 2017 season in Atlanta against Florida State.

One of the hottest topics during spring practice was the quarterback position, especially sophomore Jalen Hurts and true freshman Tua Tagovailoa.

Before the Memorial Day weekend, former Alabama quarterback Jonathan Richey discussed his thoughts Alabama's top two quarterbacks during his guest appearance with Martin Houston on The Blitz.

Richey began his examination of Jalen Hurts the quarterback by reflecting on his performance as a true freshman in 2016.

“What can you say, really? You had a true freshman come in and do something that no one’s ever done that Saban has coached and that’s start. No one has done at the University since Vince Sutton back in the ‘80s.” Richey said. “Plus in the situations he was put in. It takes a tremendous amount of maturity. You saw that in his play.”

As Richey provided his thoughts on Tua Tagovailoa, Richey noted Tagovailoa’s ability to adjust to college life after growing up in Hawaii.

“If you look at Tua (Tagovailoa), coming in again, he should be in the spring of his senior year. To think about this, he’s on a four-hour time change, generally having to adjust to that. What he was able to do in that spring game was impressive, because for most of us, that’s all we ever get to see. With the coaches, they see it every day” Richey mentioned.

The former Alabama signal caller compared the similarities that he sees in both Hurts and Tagovailoa.

“From a fundamental skill set, both quarterbacks are very athletically gifted, very humble and calm, cool and collected.”

Looking at the future for both quarterbacks, Richey believes the future is bright at the position.

“The scary thing is they’re only going to get better, and so them getting better together is going to push one another. So that’s the fun thing that’s going to be to watch.”

The Blitz kicks off live and local coverage of Alabama sports every weekday from 6-7 AM on Tide 102.9/100.9 and the radioPup app.