Which way is Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa leaning?

Another day, another educated guess as to which way Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is leaning in regards to the 2020 NFL draft.

This time, the “tea leaves” comes from the Miami Herald, which reports that the injured junior QB could be leaning toward entering the draft. Tagovailoa suffered a dislocated right hip in a November game against Mississippi State that required surgery.

From the Bob Emanuel Jr. of the Miami Herald:

“Although Tagovailoa remains silent, several around the Alabama program have spoken of his time as the Crimson Tide’s quarterback in past tense in the lead up to Wednesday’s Citrus Bowl.”

Mac Jones, Tagovailoa’s replacement at QB, has called the offense “my team,” the Herald reports, adding that Alabama offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian dropped the strongest hints by touting Tagovailoa’s off-field demeanor and saying he remains “positive” and “upbeat.”

“That’s how he’s been throughout his rehab now,” Sarkisian said, via the Herald. “He’s in really good spirits. …  Wherever his future holds for him, this guy’s going to be successful in life. I think, as coaches, that’s all you can ask for.”

The date for underclassmen to declare for the draft is Jan. 20.