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SEC football 2019 season preview: Has Georgia closed the gap on Alabama?

By Matt Hicks

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 01: Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Jake Fromm (11) passes during the SEC Championship game of the Georgia Bulldogs v Alabama Crimson Tide at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 01: Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Jake Fromm (11) passes during the SEC Championship game of the Georgia Bulldogs v Alabama Crimson Tide at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – JANUARY 07: Tua Tagovailoa #13 of the Alabama Crimson Tide warms up prior to the CFP National Championship against the Clemson Tigers presented by AT&T at Levi’s Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – JANUARY 07: Tua Tagovailoa #13 of the Alabama Crimson Tide warms up prior to the CFP National Championship against the Clemson Tigers presented by AT&T at Levi’s Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

SEC Offensive Player of the Year

Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama

Tagovailoa finished as the 2018 Heisman Trophy runner-up; making him a clear favorite to be the 2019 SEC Offensive Player of the Year.

He dominated the SEC in his first full season as a starter. He threw for 3,966 passing yards and 43 touchdowns while throwing just six interceptions. He also ran for 190 yards and five touchdowns for the Crimson Tide in 2019.

Tua is an electric playmaker and is sure to be the key to Alabama’s 2019 success. He has a rare combination of touch and arm talent; allowing him to seamlessly shred all three levels of even the best defenses in the nation. He has next-level anticipation, is a good decision; traits that help make him one of the most coveted 2020 NFL Draft prospects.

Success for him in 2019 will be determined by his ability to lead the Crimson Tide to victory in clutch situations. It will also be critical for Tua to hone in his decision-making and tighten his mechanics; particularly his footwork.

Others to Watch: Jake Fromm (QB, Georgia), Kellen Mond (QB, Texas A&M), Kelly Bryant (QB, Missouri), D’Andre Swift (RB, Georgia), Kylin Hill (RB, Mississippi State), Jerry Jeudy (WR, Alabama), Bryan Edwards (WR, South Carolina), Henry Ruggs III (WR, Alabama).

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