Nick Saban happy former Alabama quarterbacks getting chances to start in NFL

Alabama football is on a bit of a roll when it comes to producing starting NFL quarterbacks. 

Its past three starters, Mac Jones, Tua Tagovailoa and Jalen Hurts, are all set to start opening day for the New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins and Philadelphia Eagles, respectively. 

That's not a bad recruiting tool for future Alabama quarterbacks. 

"I think all three of those guys did an outstanding job when they were here," Alabama coach Nick Saban said Wednesday. "Happy to see that they’re getting an opportunity to play and start at the next level. I never really had any issue thinking they would not have successful NFL careers. Now they have the opportunity to show how successful they can be."

Opinion:College football is evolving past coaches like Nick Rolovich, even if a few are still around

NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.

Guarantee games:Six cool facts about college football guarantee games, including Kansas State's $2.8M payout from Cowboys Stadium

Saban said all made tremendous improvements while in Tuscaloosa, which he added is a reflection of some of the quarterback coaches and offensive coordinators they've had. 

"I don't get to see them on Sundays, but I am excited to certainly find out how well they do, and we wish them all the best of luck." 

News came out Tuesday morning that Jones, a rookie, had won the Patriots starting job over Cam Newton. Hurts, who transferred to Oklahoma for his final year of eligibility, also received the starting nod for the Eagles after camp. Meanwhile in Miami, there have been trade rumors about the Dolphins and Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, but Dolphins coach Brian Flores said Tagovailoa is their guy. 

Jones and Tagovailoa are set to face each other at 4:25 p.m. ET on Sept. 12.