What will be the expectations from Alabama QB Bryce Young this year?

Posted on by Jim Smarts

There’s a lot of buzz around Bryce Young. He is all set to be Alabama’s starting quarterback in 2021. is, unless something extremely surprising happens in Tuscaloosa. The previous top-ranked quarterback prospect and No. 2 overall recruits in the Class of 2020 have a lot of expectations surrounding him.

Last season, the 6-foot, 194-pounder from Pasadena, California, passed for 156 yards and one score in nine games, mostly as a backup to Heisman Trophy candidate Mac Jones. Young, this time, has a fair chance to shine.

Can Bryce Young win Heisman Trophy this year?
Apr 17, 2021; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; White quarterback Bryce Young (9) scrambles for a first down after moving away from Crimson linebacker Christopher Allen (4) during the Alabama A-Day game at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby-USA TODAY Sports

Alabama needs Young to shine

Current times can be challenging for Alabama, as they lost a significant portion of their lineup, including Heisman Trophy-winning wide receiver DeVonta Smith, Broyles Award-winning offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian, Outland Trophy-winning offensive tackle Alex Leatherwood, first-team All-American running back Najee Harris, Rimington Trophy-winning center Landon Dickerson, and the best “Swiss Army Knife” in the game, Jaylen Waddle. That’s a lot of stardom to see move on.

It won’t be easy for Young, but let’s look at some specific objectives for the rising sophomore as he attempts to lead Alabama to another national title.

Bryce Young

Throwing milestones

In each of the previous three seasons, Alabama’s starting quarterbacks have thrown for 3500 yards. The Crimson Tide is now an offensive-minded power in a sport that has moved dramatically in favor of offense winning championships. This is certainly a high aim, but it is what Alabama should execute. And Bryce will have to level up his game to fulfill the expectations surrounding him.

Rushing yards

In college football, quarterback rushing yards are difficult to calculate since sack yards are included. That being said, Young should be a willing runner who can make a couple of plays a game to keep the chains moving and keep opposing defenders honest.

How does the past look like for Bryce Young?

The 19-year old rushed for 357 yards and completed 10 touchdowns as a senior at Mater Dei High School, and 1,084 yards and 10 touchdowns across his four-year prep career. He is often labeled as a dual-threat quarterback, but he isn’t projected to be the next Johnny Manziel. In O’Brien’s scheme, there won’t be many designed runs, but Young could expect a couple every game plus yards on scrambles.

Lead the Crimson Tide to the College Football Playoff National Championship

Now, this one is the ultimate expectation from the Alabama quarterback. Winning a national championship is challenging, and winning two in a row is even more of a challenge. With that said, Alabama’s season is always a championship-or-bust situation. Young, Crimson Tide fans and head coach Nick Saban will certainly hope for great results.

Bryce Young
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 01: Bryce Young #9 of the Alabama Crimson Tide warms up before the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Rose Bowl football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at AT&T Stadium on January 01, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 31-14. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)

Young is in a great position to take advantage of the situation surrounding the deficiencies in the rosters of Ohio State and Clemson. He can, at least, put his club within 60 minutes of winning another national championship.

Teams must not only be extremely skilled and well-coached, but they also require a little luck. Alabama is no different. Young’s objective should be to place his club in a situation where one or two bad days on the field don’t destroy their title hopes.