Tua Tagovailoa Dishes on Elite 11 Finals, Helping Build Alabama's 2017 Class

MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif. — Blazing a new path isn’t a foreign concept to 4-star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

It’s been just over a month since the Hawaii native committed to perennial powerhouse Alabama, and he’s now trying to become the first prospect from his home state to be selected as an Elite 11 finalist.

Tagovailoa is one of 24 quarterbacks on hand in Los Angeles this weekend competing for one of 12 spots in the 2016 Elite 11 finals. 

“This means a lot to me. I’ve been watching the [Elite 11] show since I was nine years old. It’s a big thing being able to watch it and then having that dream [of being in it] come to fruition,” Tagovailoa told Bleacher Report.

“This is something very special to me because no other kid from Hawaii has ever done it. When a kid from Hawaii has something special like this happen, the whole state rallies behind [him]. So it’s an amazing opportunity for me to represent myself, my family and my state on this stage. “

The 6’1”, 215-pounder is still in the honeymoon phase of his commitment to the Crimson Tide. He remarked on how the atmosphere around Tuscaloosa sold him on the idea of playing for head coach Nick Saban.

“I looked at how it went in line with the things I do in my life, as far as home. It’s was just something where I felt comfortable there,” Tagovailoa explained. “Alabama is a place where the community is family-oriented, and that’s kind of the background I come from and tradition is really big there. That’s big in my family, and it’s big at Alabama. God is the biggest thing over there, and that falls right in place for me in my life.”

While Tagovailoa—who rates as the nation’s No. 2 dual-threat quarterback and the No. 58 player overall in the 2017 class—is known for his ability to create big plays with his legs, he made it a priority to choose a program that operated a pro-style offense.

“[Alabama offensive coordinator] Coach [Lane] Kiffin has talked to me about that, but they aren’t big on running the quarterback in their offense,” he said. “I totally understand that. My whole thing was, if you want to play in the NFL, why not go to a NFL-based offense and learn from best and make it easier on that transition to the NFL.”

Tagovailoa, who also said he plans to be an early enrollee, has now turned his attention toward helping the Tide land its seventh straight top overall class.

In particular, Tagovailoa is trying to help establish a connection between Alabama and a talented playmaker who hails from the West Coast.

“I’ve been trying to get [3-star receiver] Jamire Calvin. I talk to him and the recruiter who has been recruiting me, and we will see him [Calvin] on Monday when he goes to the Alabama camp, so that will be good. Hopefully, he gets an offer."

Tagovailoa also notes that he remains in contact with other Alabama commitments such as 5-star running back Najee Harris and 4-star linebacker VanDarius Cowan.

His hectic travel schedule has allowed him to meet up with other Tide pledges at various camps, but they also communicate via group texts.

While Tuscaloosa is a long way from Honolulu, Tagovailoa, who notes that he plans to major in business, is locked in with his commitment thanks in part to the well wishes of his family and friends back home.

“It’s been really good. The people and the support has been amazing. There are a lot of Alabama people that live on the island,” he said. “It’s kind of crazy, but it's awesome because everyone knows that Alabama is the No. 1 team in the nation. They respect my decision, and it’s been cool to see.”

Sanjay Kirpalani is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotes obtained firsthand, and all recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.