Former Alabama Quarterback Loses Position Battle at New School
Tempe, AZ-- Former Alabama quarterback Paul Tyson surprised some when he transferred to Arizona State earlier this year, but many saw the transfer as an opportunity for the great-grandson of Bear Bryant to earn a starting role outside of Tuscaloosa. However, after a tight battle at the position, former Florida quarterback Emory Jones has been announced as the week one starter for the Sun Devils.
Herm Edwards' Arizona State team saw many players leave the school in the midst of an NCAA investigation and they were forced to bring in 43 new players to the roster. Tyson announced his transfer in January and after Jayden Daniels left Tempe to join Brian Kelly in Baton Rouge, the door was wide open for Tyson to take the starting role.
Tyson threw only 16 passes in his two years for the Crimson Tide last season and with Bryce Young keeping the role of starting quarterback after his Heisman season playing time looked scarce for Tyson.
However, not long after arriving at Arizona State, fellow former SEC quarterback Emory Jones joined him in the quarterback room. Jones started every game for the Gators last season, but left after spring practice with Anthony Richardson looking to take the starting role in Billy Napier's first season in Gainesville.
Both Jones and Tyson competed in a quarterback battle along with Trenton Bourguet however on Thursday afternoon, fans around the program would have the answer to whom the starter would be. Tyson once again fell short as Jones was announced QB1 for the Sun Devils.
Tyson will serve as Jones backup this season but with both players entering their junior year it looks unlikely that Tyson will start at any point.
Arizona State will open its season up at home against Northern Arizona Thursday, September first where both Tyson and Jones will make their PAC-12 debuts.