TUSCALOOSA, Ala.– The assistants on Nick Saban’s coaching staff at the University of Alabama don’t speak much, but the program’s annual fan day is usually their chance. He’s not Lane Kiffin, but Brian Daboll opened his first media press conference as offensive coordinator with a bang. After a few moments of humor, including praising Saban on his health regiment, the former NFL assistant and five-time Super Bowl champion discussed quarterback Jalen Hurts.
“He’s an extremely hard worker,” Daboll said of Hurts in today’s media period before the open practice. “He is dedicated to the craft that he’s in and he’s really improved his feet and eyes.”
To Crimson Tide fans that worry about his passing mechanics, Daboll also mentions the sophomore being a lot better with knowing where he wants to go with the ball. While his accuracy tapered off late in the 2016 season, the fleeting images of Hurts was seeing him run 30 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against Clemson in the College Football Playoff National Championship.
After winning a Southeastern Conference championship and earning the league’s Offensive Player of the Year, offensive lineman Ross Pierschbacher said Hurts is ‘more comfortable’ on offense.
“Last year Jalen was just coming out and it’s hard to adjust from high school to college,” Pierschbacher said. “For him to have another offseason to read defenses is huge for him, and having a new offensive coordinator helps a lot also. He’s more confident now in his decisions.”
Despite being on preseason award watch lists and getting some considering for the Heisman Trophy in the upcoming season, Hurts is focused on getting Tide back to the title game. His first matchup will be against Deondre Francois and Florida State in Atlanta on Saturday, Sept. 2.
Stephen M. Smith is a managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebookor “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
