Articles are being written about him and people have their opinions of him; however, the lone thought that Jalen Hurts cares about is the one of himself.
He believes he can play quarterback at this level and at the professional level, and with the work that offensive coordinator Michael Locksley and quarterbacks coach Dan Enos have put in, Hurts excelled over the weekend.
He attempted nine passes for the University of Alabama in its home opener versus Arkansas State, but the native Texan looked highly efficient. He connected on seven throws for 93 passing yards with two touchdowns to receiver Jerry Jeudy and tight end Irv Smith, Jr.
Hurts’ 7-yard dart to Jeudy in the end zone came with pressure in his face, as he took a shot while firing the pass in during the second quarter. Upon seeing the talented five-star receiver make the grab, Hurts had a moment of celebration to himself and with his teammates.
ESPN cameras even captured the dance and hug Hurts had with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who started the game, before the extra point attempt.
Besties. pic.twitter.com/kVz67YH0SW
— Maria Martin (@Ria_Martin) September 8, 2018
Both signal callers have kept a strong, genuine relationship with one another, despite the influx of media personnel and fans demanding Nick Saban to pick between the two.
During player interviews following the game, Jonah Williams, Henry Ruggs III and Jerry Jeudy used the words leadership, great teammate and positive energy to describe Hurts in discussing how difficult at times it has been for both him and the team switching between the quarterbacks.
To provide more on Hurts, he is still setting records for the Crimson Tide.
His two scoring passes moved him to 42 on his career, which advanced him past Brodie Croyle (2002-05) for third all-time in program history.
Before the start of the season, Hurts stood at 4,861 passing yards.
After facing Louisville and Arkansas State, he was credited with 163 yards and passes Scott Hunter (1968-70) for seventh all-time in school history at 5,024 yards passing. A rumor sparked earlier in the week on Saban choosing to redshirt Hurts; however, that did not go as planned against the Red Wolves.
No one knows the full idea going forward for the talented junior, but one thing for certain is that he is having fun being in Tuscaloosa. For the once four-star prospect, Hurts will travel to Vaught-Hemingway Stadium next week to face the Mississippi Rebels. As a freshman, he racked up 100-plus yards passing and rushing to lead the Tide to a 48-43 win in 2016. How will Saban handle it next week? We’ll find out soon enough.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
