His impact has been felt far beyond football.
Whether it is old or young, black or white, male or female, the presence of Jalen Hurts makes everyone feel warm and at home. As a student-athlete, he perfectly embodied the definition of a competitor and an ambassador.
These kids were so excited to see Jalen Hurts after practice ❤️
(via @TheTylerDragon) pic.twitter.com/kINSm9wN2W
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 24, 2020
He loved the University of Alabama, and loved it so much that even being benched for Tua Tagovailoa in the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship could not diminish his appreciation for Nick Saban and the Tide fans.
Hurts was both loved and supported and when he took his talents to Oklahoma, members of the Alabama nation still watched him. In the loss of his grandfather on last week, the son of two marquee programs decided to still compete in the Senior Bowl – showing the leadership and mental toughness that has formed his life.
He had a strong week of practice, and per Jim Nagy (executive director the Senior Bowl), Hurts was named one of the Offensive Players of the Week for Team South.
2020 @seniorbowl South Squad Offensive Practice Players of the Week (voted on by the position group they competed against in practice)
QB: Jalen Hurts, Oklahoma
RB: La’Mical Perine, Florida
WR: Van Jefferson, Florida
TE: Jared Pinkney, Vanderbilt
OL: Lloyd Cushenberry, LSU pic.twitter.com/OZlouhUrZg— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) January 24, 2020
While continues to better himself at quarterback, Hurts connected on a string of beautifully placed throws at the practices.
Names at wide receiver such as Jauan Jennings and Collin Johnson among others benefitted from Hurts.
Despite not having the best of pass protection during the game, Hurts looked crisps on a few passes – including his touchdown strike to Jennings of Tennessee in the second half.
The native Texan dropped the ball perfectly on the receiver’s outside shoulder on a post-fade route, and Jennings hauled the pass in for a score.
Alabama ➡️ Tennessee connection.
Jalen Hurts hooks up with Jauan Jennings for a touchdown in the Senior Bowl. pic.twitter.com/ArpHZHoBNP
— Touchdown Alabama (@TDAlabamaMag) January 25, 2020
Dime TD pass by @OU_Football QB Jalen Hurts ?#SeniorBowl pic.twitter.com/UDmvt4kgoy
— The Draft Network (@DraftNetworkLLC) January 22, 2020
Jalen Hurts to Collin Johnson. Longhorns and Sooners ?♂️ pic.twitter.com/bSFAqESkWn
— RosterWatch (@RosterWatch) January 22, 2020
#Oklahoma QB Jalen Hurts drops it in a bucket to #Vandy WR Kalija Lipscomb from 40 yards out.
Ends 1-on-1s with a bang. pic.twitter.com/aXhDO6EoeN
— Steve Frederick (@_SteveFrederick) January 22, 2020
He has to improve on his short to intermediate accuracy, but Hurts’ value is worth a selection to the National Football League. If he is placed in the right system, Hurts will thrive. In providing his pitch for Hurts to the NFL, Nick Saban said the former national champion fits today’s game.
“There are a lot of guys playing in the NFL now that are having a lot of success and they are similar style players to Jalen,” Saban said.
“Guys that can make plays with their feet and I think you know who they are. So, that success of those players has broken the stereotype of you have to be a drop back passer and it’s the only way you can win in the NFL. You’ve got Mahomes, the guy at Baltimore… all these guys are athletic guys that create a lot of problems the stereotypical NFL defense.”
The guy in Baltimore he is referring to is Lamar Jackson.
RELATED: Jalen Hurts missed grandfather’s funeral to stay with his Senior Bowl teammates
Jackson guided the Ravens to a 14-2 regular season record in 2019 and punched its ticket for home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs. Regardless of it falling to the Titans, Jackson will have the team back in the postseason next season with a chance at redemption.
With a little more work, Hurts can be a major asset to a franchise.
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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.
