Alabama Football: Kristian Story decision bodes well for Paul Tyson

The Kristian Story decision indicates Alabama football confidence in Paul Tyson

The young man with the most unique pedigree in Alabama football history is standing out. That young man is Paul Tyson, the great-grandson of Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant. In a redshirt, 2019 season, Paul Tyson did not show much.

Tyson played in only one game last season. Against Western Carolina, Tyson recorded no official stats. He had an impressive high school career at Hewitt-Trussville. He started 24 games for the Huskies, passing for more than 6,500 yards and 69 touchdowns, with only 13 interceptions. Various recruiting services rated Tyson as the No. 9 to No. 14, Pro-Style QB in the 2019 class.

Other than not matching the in-vogue ‘dual-threat’ label given to most elite, high school QBs, Tyson was impressive. Like many tall young men, he came to Tuscaloosa, rail-thin. Though taller at 6-feet-5, Tyson’s build was much like Mac Jones when the older player joined the Alabama Crimson Tide. Both young men began their Tide careers in need of additional weight.

Paul Tyson left high school at what was generously described as 217 pounds. The official Alabama Crimson Tide roster lists him at 220 pounds and clearly he is more than three pounds heavier than the spring of 2019. Alabama football insiders claim his weight is up to 235 pounds. He’s not many pounds away from having a Jake Coker body.

Tyson impressed Tide defenders during practices last fall. He is described as having a legitimate ‘big arm’ with consistent accuracy. Alabama football fans will be surprised if Tyson is listed above Bryce Young on Nick Saban’s first, fall depth (organizational) chart. The fall competition for QB1 and QB2 will be intense. Mac Jones has a chance to be All-SEC in 2020. Bryce Young is expected to become a superstar. And Paul Tyson will likely surprise the most, showing he can be a winning SEC QB starter.

Who knows, Tyson might have to show it this season.

Kristian Story’s decision to start his Alabama football career at safety could have nothing to do with Paul Tyson. According to the 247Sports Composite, Story was the No. 5 Athlete in the 2020 class. Story had over 13,000 yards and 175 touchdowns in his high school career. Kristian is such an exceptional athlete, he is capable of playing quarterback, running back, wide receiver and defensive back in college.

According to Nick Saban, Story had the option of selecting the position he believed afforded the greatest opportunity for success. Story chose safety. If the Alabama football staff was not bullish on Paul Tyson, there might have been some persuasion for Story to start at QB.

Check out video highlight’s from Paul Tyson’s high school career.

The fourth Alabama football quarterback in the 2020 season will be a wildcat one. Slade Bolden had the role last season and he will continue to offer a change of pace option.