Things have gotten interesting in the college football landscape and for Miami as Taulia Tagovailoa has now entered the transfer portal. The notable last name will be more than sought after, after the success of his older brother Tua Tagovailoa. While the two share the last name, the younger Tagovailoa will have to build his own legacy away from Tuscaloosa.
Why Taulia Tagovailoa Makes Sense For Miami
Redshirt Opportunity
The younger Tagovailoa played in five games last season in a backup role. When he transfers he will redshirt for a season. This situation works out perfectly for Miami. The Hurricanes have D’Eriq King at quarterback this season. As a redshirt, Tagaovailoa would have the opportunity to learn the offense and also get better in practice against the starting defense. Going against the starting defense every practice also gives the coaches a better look at how he does against more talented players.
Upside
Tagovailoa receives unfair criticism for not being as developed as his older brother at this point in his career. Heading into his sophomore season, the elder Tagovailoa, had zero starts on his resume but his performance in the national championship foreshadowed stardom in the future. Although that’s true, the younger Tagovailoa did not start playing the quarterback position until his older brother entered high school. Without being late to the position he more than likely would’ve shattered his older brother’s high school records. He played at the same high school as his older brother for his first two seasons and finished only 20 touchdowns short of the passing touchdowns record before moving to an Alabama high school as a junior.
One of the strengths that Tagaovailoa has over his brother is arm strength. At the 2018 Opening event, he won the long ball contest with a 66-yard throw. The Hurricanes only completed four spring practices before COVID-19 ended things. This works into Tagovailoa’s favor as he’ll get to learn most of the offense at the same pace as the other quarterbacks. With a new offensive coordinator at Miami, Rhett Lashlee, every quarterback is battling for backup jobs and the chance to be the quarterback of the future.
2021 Quarterback Battle
As previously mentioned, the Hurricanes are unsure who will lead the team at quarterback after this season. Coincidentally, Miami plays Alabama in the 2021 season. If the Hurricanes pursue Tagovailoa, he could potentially make his first collegiate start against his old team. Currently, Miami has four quarterbacks that will have eligibility in the 2021 season. Two of which will be redshirt seniors in N’Kosi Perry and Tate Martell. One or both could potentially transfer prior to the 2021 matchup against Alabama. With only one year of eligibility left it wouldn’t be far fetched for either to take the graduate transfer route. The remaining quarterbacks on Miami’s roster are Peyton Matocha and Tyler Van Dyke. Adding Tagovailoa adds insurance to Miami’s future at the position.
Final Word
The football landscape in Miami for collegiate and professional teams has been lackluster for two decades. Most notably, it’s been ages since the Hurricanes or the Dolphins had an elite quarterback. It could very well be fate that two brothers from the same household change the fortune for two of the most beloved staples of South Florida. Whether that happens will be told through time but the Hurricanes would be foolish not to accept this gift.
