Count Tua Tagovailoa as the latest person to jump to Jalen Hurts' defense.
The true freshman quarterback on Thursday posted to Twitter calling out Hurts' detractors, saying they don't appreciate the fact he led the team to two national titles in as many years.
MORE: What's next for Hurts at Alabama?
Tired of people not appreciating the fact that if this man led us to the National Championship. And for all the fans that are against Jalen, you against me too. You either WITH US or AGAINST US. Love you 2 🐐#BigBroLittleBro @JalenHurts pic.twitter.com/ExjHAB7yHh
— Tua Tagovailoa (@Tuaamann_) January 11, 2018
Tagovailoa, of course, came off the bench in the second half of Alabama's 26-23 overtime win against Georgia in Monday's College Football Playoff championship. He completed 14 of 24 passes for 166 yards and three touchdowns to only one interception; Hurts only completed 3 of 8 passes for 21 yards (adding 47 on the ground).
Hurts responded, thanking Tagovailoa and saying he was proud of him.
💯🙏🏽Love You Too Lil Bro ! Proud Of You! #NationalChampions https://t.co/4sqdWVxlAJ
— Jalen Hurts (@JalenHurts) January 11, 2018
MORE: Teams with QB controversies in 2018
Jalen Hurts' older brother, Averion Hurts, also jumped to the embattled quarterback's defense earlier on Thursday.
Regardless of his support, Jalen Hurts will likely need to make a decision on his future if he's unable to beat Tagovailoa for the starting quarterback position in 2018. Hurts, who will be a junior next year, is 26-2 as a starter and has 6,108 total yards and 61 total touchdowns in two seasons and has the athleticism to change positions. If he wants to remain a quarterback, however, he has a redshirt to burn if he transfers — and could use that year to further develop as a passer.
