Bryce Young comments on Alabama's annual offseason turnover
It seems like Alabama quarterback Bryce Young accomplished all but the biggest goal in his first season as the Crimson Tide’s starting quarterback.
Young in 2021 finished with 4,872 passing yards, holding a 66.9 completion percentage, and threw for 47 touchdowns to just seven interceptions. After one season on the bench behind Mac Jones, Young erupted as a sophomore. The 6-foot, 194-pound native of Pasadena, California set single-season Alabama marks for passing yards and touchdowns, while being named AP Player of the Year and Sporting News Player of the Year; he was a consensus All-American, and he led the Alabama Crimson Tide to a one-loss regular season and an SEC Championship. He even became the first-ever Alabama quarterback to win the Heisman Trophy — but despite all of that, he fell short of the ultimate team goal: winning a national title.
Rest assured, Young will be back next year, and Alabama will have the personnel to make the Crimson Tide more than just a contender. Saban’s bunch will once again be a favorite entering the season, as has become commonplace. As for adjusting to the roster change — well, that might take some getting used to, according to Young.
“It’s kind of weird with the movement, with guys not being here that you’re used to,” Young said. “You see people’s lockers and the name is not there for the guy that you’re used to being next to. It’s tough, and I’m going to miss all the guys that left.”
Young certainly has a point. Alabama’s roster will look far different next season. Though some core pieces will remain — namely, himself and star linebacker Will Anderson — there’s plenty of roster turnover elsewhere. Roughly 10 players will be declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft, including some of his favorite targets in wide receivers Jameson Williams and John Metchie. Plus, several more entered the NCAA Transfer Portal, like linebacker Drew Sanders and tight end Jahleel Billingsley.
“It’s hard, but at the same time, I’m super excited for everyone’s next chapter, everyone’s next chapter in their journey,” Young continued. “I know everyone’s doing what’s best for them and I couldn’t be more happy and supportive of that.”
Alabama quarterback Bryce Young named Manning Award winner
The list of accolades has continued to grow for Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young. On Tuesday, he was named the winner of the Manning Award, given out to the nation’s top quarterback in the country.
Young wins the award after throwing for 4,872 yards and 47 touchdowns over a 15 game period for the Crimson Tide. The Manning Award takes postseason performance into consideration as well, with Young leading Alabama to the national championship game.
The Manning Award was created by the Allstate Sugar Bowl to celebrate the accomplishments of Archie, Peyton, and Eli Manning. Each of those three, plus members of the media, gets to vote on the award on a yearly basis.
“Congratulations to Bryce Young on being selected as the winner of the 18th annual Manning Award,” Archie Manning said in a statement. “It’s quite a challenge to replace an All-American quarterback on a national championship team; and Bryce answered that challenge with a tremendous season. Nearly 5,000 passing yards, almost 50 touchdowns, the SEC Offensive Player of the Year and the Heisman Trophy. Not to mention leading Alabama back to the national championship game. I’m not sure what he can do for an encore but we sure are excited to have him back in college football next year.
“On behalf of the entire Manning family, we would like to once again thank the Sugar Bowl Committee for its generous and ongoing support of the Manning Award. The Bowl’s role in making this award possible each year is greatly appreciated.”
Young is the second straight Alabama quarterback to win the award, with Mac Jones being honored for the 2020 season. Five others have won it from the SEC, with the two Alabama quarterbacks joining Joe Burrow (LSU), Johnny Manziel (Texas A&M), Cam Newton (Auburn), JaMarcus Russell (LSU), and Tim Tebow (Florida).