He never gave up on the University of Alabama and like moments at Bryant-Denny Stadium, the student body and fans of the program honored him royally this morning as he marched with his undergraduate degree.
Jalen Hurts relished the spotlight in the fourth quarter of the Southeastern Conference Championship Game; however, he smiled brightly upon hearing his name called for his bachelor’s degree in public relations.
Per a video captured by UA, a loud burst of excitement filled Coleman Coliseum when President Bell called Hurts’ name.
Standing ovation when he takes the field. Standing ovation when he walks the stage. Congrats + a big #RollTide to the legend himself, @JalenHurts ? #BamaGrad #WhereLegendsAreMade pic.twitter.com/aq6AnaHKqw
— The Univ. of Alabama (@UofAlabama) December 15, 2018
Regardless of what he has been through, the native Texan taught everyone a lesson in commitment, determination and in his own words, “Put it in God’s hands.”
His decision to stay at Alabama was questioned at first, but Hurts’ had the last word as he delivered his team to SEC title with a strong performance versus Georgia. The junior completed seven of nine passes for 82 yards and total two touchdowns — including a 15-yard run to the end zone to put the Tide ahead for good at 35-28.
RELATED: Jalen Hurts to graduate Alabama this weekend as legend and fan favorite
While he is ready to continue working toward a showdown with Oklahoma in the College Football Playoff, he will enjoy this moment with his family.
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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.
