Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Austin Jackson recently raved about Tua Tagovailoa’s dedication to improving and also found time to joke about the second-year player’s grooming, vocal range and physical appearance.
#Dolphins OL Austin Jackson on Tua: "He’s got a beard. There’s a little more base in his voice.
I haven’t looked at his biceps. (laughs)… He’s been working hard every single day just like all of us.
That’s my guy. He’s looking good too. He’s been working hard.”— Safid Deen 💯💯💯💯 (@Safid_Deen) May 20, 2021
Even before the Dolphins drafted him as the fifth overall pick last year, Tagovailoa was showing off his incredible work ethic.
Much of that effort was geared toward rehabilitating a surgically repaired hip that had endangered his career while he was still at the University of Alabama.
Tagovailoa ended up starting nine games last year and threw for 1,814 yards and 11 touchdowns. Those are numbers that he’s hoping only scratch the surface of what he’s capable of.
Keeping Tagovailoa healthy through the season is one of the second-year tackle’s primary jobs.
Jackson was the 18th overall pick in last year’s draft and ended up earning a starting job that was put on hold because of injury.
If the Dolphins are able to take the next step and reach the playoffs, it’s likely that Tagovailoa and Jackson will both play prominent roles.
