Despite undergoing surgery on his sprained ankle just a few short weeks ago and then showing up with a walking boot and scooter during Heisman week, Tua Tagovailoa is doing great.
The sophomore quarterback was able to participate in Alabama’s first bowl game practice last Friday. He looked darn good, so it’s not surprising to hear what Nick Saban had to say about his star quarterback on Monday.
Saban said Tagovailoa is “probably ahead of schedule” coming back from his high-ankle sprain.
“He’s been able to take a lot of reps,” Saban said, per AL.com. “He’s been able to throw the ball from the pocket. He can run.”
Saban said Tagovailoa is not at full strength when it comes to changing direction as a runner, “But he’s already going 100 percent on the gravity treadmill. So, he’s been able to practice and he’s made really, really good progress so we’re encouraged by that.”
It sure sounds like Tagovailoa’s going to be ready to take on Oklahoma during the Orange Bowl later this month. That’s been the plan all along, there is no evidence he’s going to struggle to meet that expectation.
The Heisman runner-up finished the regular season with 3,353 yards and 37 touchdowns passing, just four interceptions and five more touchdowns rushing.