QB Mac Jones, Alabama
HEIGHT: 6-2
WEIGHT: 205
HOMETOWN (HIGH SCHOOL): Jacksonville, FL (The Bolles School)
247 RATING: .8815
STARS: 3
YEAR: Junior
POSITION RANK: 15
CAREER
Passing: 1,626 yards (66.2%), 15 touchdowns, 3 interceptions
Rushing: N/A
2019
Passing: 1,503 yards (68.8%), 14 touchdowns, 3 interceptions
Rushing: N/A
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Mac Jones Breakdown
| STRENGTHS – Decision making – Ball placement – Touch – Quick feet – Poise CONCERNS – Stepping into throws – Progressions – Arm strength |
Alabama’s quarterback situation always had a “what if” associated with it thanks to questions about Tua Tagovailoa’s durability. That came to fruition sooner than expected, and all eyes turned towards Mac Jones. Limited experience raised concerns, but Jones stuck to who he was and utilized the plethora of talent around him. Now he has a chance to write his own story as the starter for the Crimson Tide.
How do you take over the starting quarterback jobs for one of the elite programs in college football? With poise. Jones didn’t have the experience that his predecessor possessed, but he stayed calm even under pressure. Even with that pressure and the high expectations from fans, it never got to his head. Jones is always thinking about the next play and rarely lets a mistake compound into two.
When he first took over the offense, Jones didn’t take many deep shots. Whether that was by design to get him comfortable or an uncertainty within himself, it limited an explosive offense at times. He’s shown that he can make deep passes with tremendous touch, but he doesn’t’ always step into his throws or follow through. That leads to his passes floating and hanging in the air longer, which gives the defender time to catch up to the receiver. In the SEC, it doesn’t take long for that to happen. Jones can get the ball out quick and make throws with good speed, but he needs to step into his throws more consistency.
Mac Jones inherited a pressure packed situation and handled it like a pro. He’s an even keeled player who can make smart decisions and is learning his craft every day. Alabama has national championship aspirations along with an offense that features a ton of talent. The pressure remains on Jones to elevate the offense and the team, and he has the tools to bring the Tide where they want to go.
