Maryland adds Taulia Tagovailoa as ex-Alabama QB announces Terps as the transfer destination

Maryland adds Taulia Tagovailoa as ex-Alabama QB announces Terps as the transfer destination

The younger Tagovailoa is avoiding to play for former Alabama offensive coordinator Mike Locksley

                                                   Taulia Tagovailoa

Former Alabama quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa announced Friday that he's transferring to Maryland, where he will reunite with ex-Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Mike Locksley, who is entering his second season as head coach in College Park. As a sophomore, Tagovailoa would wish a waiver granted by the NCAA to ascertain action within the 2020 season for Maryland.

Tagovailoa, the younger brother of former Alabama star quarterback and now-Miami Dolphins signal-caller Tua Tagovailoa, appeared in five games as a real freshman in 2019 behind his brother and backup Mac Jones. He completed 9 of 12 passes for 100 yards and a touchdown.

At Maryland, Tagovailoa should have a chance to win the starting job whenever he becomes eligible as Locksley continues to look for an efficient quarterback. Josh Jackson, heading into his senior year, started nine games last season but posted mixed results. Sophomore Tyler Desue and redshirt freshman Lance Legendre attempted a combined 17 passes in reserve action behind Jackson.

Tagovailoa was considered a four-star prospect and therefore the No. 5 pro-style quarterback within the 2019 recruiting class by 247Sports. He was projected to enter preseason practice because the likely third-string quarterback on the Alabama roster behind junior Mac Jones and five-star freshman Bryce Young, however, resulting in his decision to recently enter his name into the NCAA transfer portal.

The family's relationship with Locksley was likely a key think about Tagovailoa's decision to select Maryland, which is coming off a 3-9 season and has not finished with a winning record since 2014. Locksley was the offensive coordinator during Tua Tagovailoa's freshman and sophomore seasons, which coincided with Taulia's recruitment period.