On April 23, the Miami Dolphins used the fifth pick in the first round of the National Football League draft to pick up Alabama quarterback and Hawaii native Tua Tagovailoa.

Tagovailoa became the starting quarterback for Alabama during his sophomore year, and in that same season led them to a national championship victory over Georgia. In his three years down south, Tagovailoa achieved celebrity status. Renowned for his throwing accuracy and 69.3 percent completion rate, the young quarterback quickly became an integral part of Alabama’s program. 

Being an Alabama quarterback is no easy feat, but Tagovailoa seemed to manage the task with ease. It wasn’t long until “Roll Tua” shirts began to appear in the stands and groups of grown men were seen fishing in Hawaiian shirts and leis. 

Alabama’s impressive program had struggled in recent years to find a fitting quarterback until Tagovailoa arrived to fill that hole. Although he is not a running quarterback, Tagoaviloa’s incredible accuracy and confidence earned him a spot on the field. With only 11 interceptions in his three-year collegiate career and a still humble attitude, Tagovailoa became the quarterback and leader Alabama needed.  

However, even a quarterback of this status does not come without flaws. During his time at Alabama, Tagovailoa faced continuous ankle injuries along with many other minor sprains and fractures. Early in his 2019 season, the quarterback suffered a brutal and season-ending hip injury that had many questioning if he would be physically ready for this year’s draft. 

Yet, despite the uncertainty that surrounded Tagovailoa’s recovery, Miami continued to seek out the young quarterback with the belief that he could be a great fit for their program. With Tagovailoa’s orthopedic surgeons now expressing full confidence in the quarterback’s ability to be fully healthy in time for NFL training camps, it looks like the Dolphin’s continuing determination might pay off. 

The Miami Dolphins have not had much success in past years, finishing last season 4th in the AFC East with a 5-11 record, and many believe Tagovailoa may be exactly what the Dolphins need. However, Tagovailoa may not come into an immediate starting position.

Ryan Fitzpatrick, 37, is still listed as the Dolphin’s starting quarterback. Fitzpatrick, who first started with Miami last season, has stated his readiness to help mentor and train the newly-arrived Tagovailoa. Both Tagovailoa and the Dolphins are very excited about what their future team could bring.