Saban has smug response for Bryce Young height concerns

Nick Saban and Bryce Young Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Nick Saban has smug response to concerns over Bryce Young's height

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 3/23/23

As Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud battle to prove why each should be the No. 1 pick for the Panthers in April’s draft, Young is also battling the critics who believe his 5-foot-10, 204-pound frame won’t translate to the NFL.

Speaking with the SEC Network at Alabama’s pro day on Thursday, Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban said that Young’s height was irrelevant compared to his resume over his past two years starting in Tuscaloosa.

“I don’t think (it matters),” Saban said, later adding, “I think he’s so instinctive, he processes so well, he prepares so well, he’s got quickness in the pocket, he plays the position like a point guard in basketball, and his productions, consistency and performance are off the charts. Most of the time, those things will translate to the next level.”

Bryce Young left no doubt at @AlabamaFTBL pro-day.

Threw with excellent anticipation and had good late life on throws that require legit arm power.

Spoke to multiple teams that met with him and he blew them away.

Decision between him and C.J. Stroud will not be an easy one. pic.twitter.com/Z6c1coxomw
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) March 23, 2023

Among the head coaches on the ground for Alabama Pro Day, and to see Bryce Young throw ..

• Dennis Allen, Saints.
• Pete Carroll, Seahawks.
• Matt Eberflus, Bears.
• Mike McDaniel, Dolphins.
• Josh McDaniels, Raiders.
• Frank Reich, Panthers.
• Mike Tomlin, Steelers.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 23, 2023

Young posted a 24-4 record as Alabama’s starting quarterback, throwing for 8,356 yards and an 80/12 TD/INT ratio while making with one national championship game appearance. He became the first QB in school history to throw for 3,000 or more yards in multiple seasons and he finished second all-time in career passing yards.

While many draft experts have pointed to Young’s height as the main hindrance to his chances of going first overall, Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper reportedly prefers Young over Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud. Though rare, starting quarterbacks shorter than six foot have had at least some success in the NFL, as evidenced by Russell Wilson, Sonny Jurgenson and Doug Flutie, among others.

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