Alabama Recruiting: 4-star QB Tua Tagovailoa commits to Crimson Tide

Alabama received the verbal commitment from four-star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa late Thursday night as Nick Saban’s reach extends to Hawaii.

Alabama added to their 2017 recruiting class late Thursday night with the announcement from four-star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (Honolulu, Hi. St. Louis) who gives the Crimson Tide the nation’s No. 2 dual-threat quarterback.

The 6-1, 210-pound Tagovailoa is the nation’s No. 58 overall recruit regardless of position and the No. 1 player in the state of Hawaii, according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings.

He picked the Crimson Tide over the USC Trojans, Ole Miss Rebels, and a dozen other offers.

“I chose Alabama first and foremost because they put God first,” Tagovailoa told 247Sports before making his decision public. “Alabama has Southern hospitality just like Hawaii. Plus I love the atmosphere there. I can see myself there.”

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Part of the reason why he wanted to play for Alabama is because he wants to play in the NFL and he thinks playing in their pro-style offense will prepare him for a professional career.

Tagovailoa completed 187-of-298 passes last year as a junior for 2,932 yards with 24 touchdowns and only seven interceptions. He added 481 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground. His numbers were even better as a sophomore when he has 33 touchdowns to only three interceptions and 576 rushing yards.

Tagovailoa is the third-highest ranked recruit in the class, behind the nation’s No. 1 overall recruit, running back Najee Harris and five-star offensive tackle Alex Leatherwood. Ideally, Tagovailoa will be handing off to Harris and have his blind side protected by Leatherwood when he’s ready for a starting job in three years.

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With the commitment from Tagovailoa, Alabama now has the nation’s No. 3 recruiting class and the No. 1 class in the SEC, according to the 247Sports Team Rankings. When National Signing Day rolls around, the Tide will be in the position to have the nation’s highest ranked class for the sixth year in a row.