Ex-Alabama QB Greg McElroy thinks Tua Tagovailoa will return to school

The general consensus is that quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will bid farewell to the Alabama Crimson Tide, forego his senior season, and enter the NFL Draft despite his severe hip injury.

At least one person familiar with the program, however, wouldn’t be surprised to see Tagovailoa back next season. Ex-Tide quarterback Greg McElroy, now an analyst for SEC Network, thinks the signs are pointing toward Tagovailoa returning for his senior season.

“I think it’s a real possibility,” McElroy said, via Brad Crawford of 247Sports. “I really believe that’s what he’s going to do. I don’t know that for certain, I haven’t asked him specifically. I have talked to him and asked what factors are going to weigh into the decision. He said, ‘look, it’s all about medical. How quickly can I get out there and showcase my abilities for teams? If I can’t work out and showcase my abilities on the field, then it’s going to be really tough for teams to evaluate me.’

“I think it’s all about the timetable of his recovery. At this point, all signs point to him coming back.”

Tagovailoa still figures to be a high draft pick if he comes out. However, tidbits like this, plus some of Tagovailoa’s social media activity, is enough to get Alabama fans’ hopes up. The quarterback’s return would be a massive risk — another injury could be even worse for him — but it’s clear that some people believe his decision isn’t as set in stone as it perhaps seemed.