Alabama Football: Biggest change in QB Bryce Young

Bryce Young is entering his first season as the unquestioned starting quarterback of the Alabama Crimson Tide. This summer, the sophomore is preparing for a season where the Alabama offense is undergoing a transformation.

Recently, veteran wide receiver Slade Bolden spoke on the biggest change he’s seen in Young.

“He’s definitely matured some. Being a freshman, trying to learn the process of not only the offense, but also coach Saban and the program in general,” Bolden said, via the Alabama Football page on YouTube. “He’s becoming a better leader. He’s trying to connect and build chemistry with the receivers, and also the offensive line, running backs and tight ends. Just those things, it takes time to grow in.

“Since freshman year, he’s done a lot better of a job with maturity, being a better leader and also chemistry on offense.”

This season, replacing Mac Jones is no small task for Alabama. However, it’s obvious that Young is doing all he can to fill his predecessor’s shoes. 

Alabama will go as far as the former five-star recruit can take them in 2021. If Bolden’s comments are any indication, the Crimson Tide will be just fine this season. Yes, even without many of the offensive weapons that helped them with a championship last season. 

Nick Saban on Bryce Young

Young and the Alabama football team held its first scrimmage in Tuscaloosa on Saturday. The scrimmage was closed to the media, but Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban took to the podium afterwards to share his thoughts.

Saban isn’t one to hand out praise of individual players unless they are truly deserving. The 69-year-old Alabama head coach praised his sophomore quarterback just three weeks before the Tide take on Miami in the season opener.

“I was pleased with his performance,” Saban said when asked about Young. “I’m sure if you ask him, he’ll be the first one to say he’s looking forward to working to try to improve and improve the production overall in terms of our execution on offense, and that’s what’s gonna make us better.”

Saban noted that Young, who completed just 13 passes for 156 yards in limited playing time as a true freshman in 2020, will need the help of every Tide offensive player to thrive.

“At times today, I didn’t think you know maybe we did as good a job of that as we need to,” Saban said. “So all 11 guys, it’s the offensive line, it’s the receivers, it’s all 11 guys, so that he’ll have more opportunities. But I think when he had opportunities today, he did a really good job.”

Evidently, Saban and Bolden are ahead of the curve. Once the season starts, we’ll continue to hear praise for Young. 

On3’s Sean Labar contributed to this article.

Image courtesy of UA Athletics / Collegiate Images / Getty Images