Mac Jones gets huge compliment from Steve Sarkisian
Alabama QB Mac Jones got a huge compliment from OC Steve Sarkisian.
Playing quarterback is one of the hardest jobs — if not the hardest — in all of sports. Alabama quarterback Mac Jones has been making it look relatively easy in 2020, but that’s not normal.
Jones has completed an absolutely bonkers 76.5 percent of his passes this season on 327 attempts and has 32 touchdowns compared to just four interceptions. These are the top reasons why he was one of four players in college football selected as a Heisman Trophy finalist.
They are also reasons why some in the NFL Draft community consider Jones to be a first-round prospect in the 2021 NFL Draft, which would give the Crimson Tide two first-round quarterbacks in consecutive years.
It’s not quite Oklahoma’s run with Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Jalen Hurts (who spent more time at Alabama), but nothing to scoff at.
Jones is not known for having a rifle of an arm but he’s been mostly accurate on downfield throws this season for the Crimson Tide and is operating the offense like a pro.
Don’t take my word for it, though. Look at the words of Alabama offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian, who has spent plenty of time in NFL locker rooms.
Sark on Mac Jones and DeVonta Smith: "These guys prepare better than anybody right now on offense for us in their preparation for the game, and it shows in the way they play the game. Their preparation is at the highest level. They remind me of NFL players when it comes to that."
— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) December 29, 2020
Unquestionably, one of the top “traits” for a young prospect that cannot really be taught is work ethic. We’ve seen a lack of work ethic drive many young quarterbacks out of the league from guys like Ryan Leaf to Jamarcus Russell, and more recently players like Paxton Lynch.
If you don’t want it, you’re not going to last long. Plain and simple.
It’s great to hear someone who has spent time with NFL clubs talk about Jones (and Smith) in this kind of way. There is arguably no higher compliment a quarterback could be paid than for his coordinator to say at a young age, he reminds him of NFL players when it comes to preparation.
What does that mean?
It means that Jones is someone who pays attention to small details and doesn’t forsake them. He undoubtedly is a film junky who studies himself, the opponent, and any tendency he can to be the best player he can be.
It’s been evident on the field this year for Jones that his preparation is outstanding. The Crimson Tide offense hasn’t skipped a beat since he took over for the injured Tua Tagovailoa last year, and even though physically Jones is not the most imposing or impressive prospect, he has a number of traits NFL teams might find to be first-round worthy.
Namely, preparation and accuracy.
The big questions for Jones at the next level will be how his arm strength translates and if he will be able to succeed with more pressure coming at him in the pros than he has dealt with in college.
There are definitely fair criticisms of Jones’ game at this point, but NFL teams won’t have to lose sleep over investing a high selection in him, wondering if he’s going to make them look bad from a work ethic standpoint.
It’s clear this guy studies the game and cares a lot about it. Hopefully he can continue to shine and show progression en route to a top 32 pick in the Spring.