If you're craving some footage of Tua, or just never got a chance to see much of his game, what the hype was about, or just want a reminder, this video gives a good look at Tua from high school through college. Be advised, it is produced by some Alabama fans, so it will paint him in a favourable light.
Alright, I've watched it through and clearly it's just a giant Tua hype tape but man, if it isn't a great one! Some hilarious clips and tunes dropped in at the end from the segment called 'Tua to the Rescue' to the end - particularly if you know your 80's movies. That was fun! PS - Also nice to see those smooth, pin-point passes from Tua. He really can throw a football.
Here's what's impressive to me: https://www.espn.com/college-football/boxscore?gameId=400953415 A true freshman on the biggest stage, inserted without any preparation, named the offensive MVP of the game.
That final TD in the championship game sort of says it all in terms of Tua's status as an NFL prospect. Off the bench as a true freshman, hasn't started all year or got a lot of reps, and he comes Georgia with a ton of pressure. He brings them back with three great 2nd half drives, has the game won in regulation with a last-minute march down the field, then the kicker shanks it. OT. 1st and 10, down 3 in OT, Tua takes a huge sack because he didn't get rid of the ball. People feel the dread of what's about to happen....they're almost out of field goal range now AND their kicker just shanked one for the win. Not good at all. That pass Tua throws on 2nd down is a 30+ yard bullet fired from a rifle...the trajectory of that pass made the window of success very small. And yes, he was throwing to a stud receiver but that's not what saved the day, that pass hit him in stride and all he had to do was hang on. That throw was simply incredible and very few NFL quarterbacks can do that...not with that velocity & precision. I'm not sure Tannehill can make that toss and I know Fitzpatrick can't. Of course, that was just one play, but it was on the biggest of stages and in the worst of circumstances for Tua. That's who he is though, that arm is simply sensational and he is truly a generational talent. That doesn't mean it will translate to the NFL but it's hard not to get excited about his prospects in Miami.