Regardless of the decision he makes after this season, Jalen Hurts is etched in stone as a fan favorite of the University of Alabama football program.
He did not play in two straight conference games since the Crimson Tide’s meeting versus Tennessee – ankle surgery — nevertheless, having his leg wrapped up like a toilet paper mummy did not keep him from practicing all week or playing Saturday against the Citadel.
While some felt as though he would not play, a jubilant cheer shot through Bryant-Denny Stadium when the native Texan took the field in the fourth quarter. Hurts led two scoring drives, including one that ended on a 7-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver DeVonta Smith.
When @JalenHurts takes the field in BDS ❤️ #RollTide #BamaGameday pic.twitter.com/AWTmH4eaet
— The Univ. of Alabama (@UofAlabama) November 17, 2018
Prior to him attempting the throw and after the play, chants of “Jalen, Jalen!” rocked the building and the junior celebrated with teammates.
Although he is still not 100 percent, it was good to see him maneuver on his ankle and complete three of four passes for 31 yards. Hurts completed a 16-yard pass to freshman Jaylen Waddle on a roll out and found Henry Ruggs III for another chunk yardage play, before coming out of the game to a standing ovation.
Redshirt freshman Mac Jones took over and the drive ended on a two-yard touchdown run from sophomore, Brian Robinson.
According to head coach Nick Saban, the plan was to get Hurts in 12 to 15 plays.
“He was ready to play,” he said on Hurts. “Hopefully after not playing for several weeks, we were hoping we could get a little rust off. He did a good job and that will be helpful to him coming back and develop confidence as well.”
When he chose to play in the fifth game of the season versus Louisiana, Hurts showed the fans that he is more about team than getting his own numbers in order. He has made strides in the passing game all year under first-year quarterbacks’ coach, Dan Enos and continues to be a positive presence in the locker room in terms of helping this team pursue a national title.
A date with Auburn is next on the schedule for the Tide, and after dropping last season’s meeting with the Tigers, Hurts would love nothing more than to right his wrongs.
Next week should be an interesting one to check him out in practice.
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.
