TUSCALOOSA—Two of Alabama’s January enrollees from its 2016 recruiting class are having much success as true freshmen. Quarterback Jalen Hurts and offensive lineman Jonah Williams both were named Southeastern Conference players of the week, according to the league Monday morning.
Hurts, a native of Channelview, Texas, spearheaded a dominant rushing attack for the Crimson Tide against Tennessee. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound quarterback totaled a game-high 132 yards rushing and three touchdowns on 12 carries. He averaged 11 yards per attempts, with his longest run going 45 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter. The Volunteers became the second program to allow 100 yards rushing and passing to Hurts, while he originally got it done against Ole Miss (156 passing, 146 rushing) back on Sept. 17.
Williams, a native of Folsom, Calif., anchored an offensive line that blocked for 594 yards, including 438 on the ground. He set the edge at right tackle for five rushing scores on 49 tries, netting an average 8.9 yards a carry.
Williams aided the offense to 7.8 yards per play, while not allowing a sack, quarterback hurry or committing a penalty. He graded out at 90 percent on assignments and helped the Tide convert six out of 12 third downs.
Alabama earned a 49-10 victory over the Vols, but now Hurts, Williams and the Tide will host ESPN’s College GameDay and the No. 6-ranked Texas A&M Aggies at Bryant-Denny Stadium this weekend.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
