After winning two Southeastern Conference Championships for Alabama and leading the team to a College Football Playoff National Championship in 2017, Jalen Hurts returns to the state that started his collegiate success.
He transferred to the University of Oklahoma – prior to the 2019 season – and performed well. The native Texan produced 3,851 passing yards, 1,298 rushing yards and 53 total touchdowns (32 passing, 20 rushing, one receiving) under Lincoln Riley.
In one season, he guided the Sooners to eight games with at least 40 points and was awarded first-team All-Big 12 and Big 12 Newcomer of the Year.
Hurts captained Oklahoma to a Big 12 Championship with a win over Baylor, and placed it in the CFP.
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Despite a rough loss to LSU, Hurts finished last season’s Heisman race as the runner-up to Joe Burrow of the Tigers.
According to Dane Brugler, an NFL Draft analyst for The Athletic, Hurts has accepted his invitation to the Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala.
The exhibition is a rite of passage for collegiate athletes in making the transition to the professional game.
#Oklahoma QB Jalen Hurts has accepted his Senior Bowl invitation.
This was really a no-brainer decision for him. He still has plenty to prove and a stand-out week in Mobile can help convince a team he’s worth a day 2 draft pick.
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) January 6, 2020
This year’s matchup is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 25 at Ladd-Peebles Stadium and will be aired on NFL Network.
During his three years at Alabama (2016-18), Hurts made a lasting impression on Tide fans.
Jalen Hurts scores game-winning touchdown for Alabama in 2018 SEC Championship versus Georgia/ Photo comes via Brett Davis – USA Today Sports
Aside from his stats, his leadership, toughness and character will forever hold a place in the hearts of crimson and white. He totaled 5,626 passing yards, 1,976 rushing yards and 71 total touchdowns. Hurts was named first-team All-SEC as a freshman and won both SEC Freshman of the Year and SEC Offensive Player of the Year.
He was the first quarterback to start for two programs in the CFP and now, he’ll have the opportunity to improve his draft stock even more.
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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.
