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Nick Saban wants Mac Jones to be 'lead dog' with Tua Tagovailoa out

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- As Alabama coach Nick Saban continues to monitor the progress of injured quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, he's turning his attention to the next man up at the position: redshirt sophomore Mac Jones.

Saban said during the SEC teleconference on Wednesday that he's stressed to Jones that his role has changed with Tagovailoa out for the season following season-ending hip surgery, and that he has to become a leader and "in command" now.

"You're not a sparring partner anymore," Saban said he told Jones. "You're the lead dog, so you've got to be in control of what you're doing and have positive body language, not only in terms of what you do but in how you affect other people.