He has been told many times that he needs to switch positions, but he remains firm on quarterback being his spot.
Despite the doubt and criticism hurled his way, Jalen Hurts was persistent and found a way to lead two different schools to conference championships and College Football Playoff appearances. He is one of few players that will be forever loved by multiple programs and fans.
Through three years at Alabama (2016-18), he compiled 5,626 passing yards, 1,976 rushing yards and 71 total touchdowns – en route to leading the Crimson Tide to a Southeastern Conference title and being on a national championship team in 2017.
Former Alabama QB, Jalen Hurts in the 2018 season opener versus Louisville in Orlando, Fla./Photo comes via Reinhold Matay – USA TODAY Sports
During his lone season at Oklahoma in 2019, the native Texan exploded for 3,851 passing yards, 1,298 rushing yards and 53 total scores (one receiving). Hurts captured a host of individual awards, including runner-up for the Heisman Trophy. He led the Sooners to its fifth consecutive Big 12 Championship since 2015 and its third straight appearance in the CFP, despite a loss.
After performing well at both the NFL Scouting Combine and Oklahoma’s Pro Day, some NFL Draft experts believe there is a chance for Hurts to be selected in the first-round. According to Daniel Jeremiah, a former pro scout and analyst for NFL Network, he has the once four-star prospect as the fifth quarterback taken on Thursday, April 23 in Paradise, Nev.
How many QBs will be drafted in the 1st round?
“Can I cheat and say 4.5?” ?
?: @NFLTotalAccess | @MoveTheSticks pic.twitter.com/xVp83ovMdy
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) April 1, 2020
Jeremiah specifically targets the No. 31 overall selection.
The San Francisco 49ers have this pick and if it chooses to trade out, a team will have an opportunity to move up and grab a signal caller.
Throughout the Combine, pro football experts such as Jeremiah, Bucky Brooks and Charles Davis among others were impressed with Hurts’ improvement as a passer. Each one mentioned on it being a lot of things to like about Hurts.
Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa have been regarded as the best in the class.
RELATED: “Expect Jalen Hurts to have his name called on day two of NFL Draft,” per NFL Draft analyst
After them, it will be interesting to see where Justin Herbert (Oregon) and Jordan Love (Utah State) fall in the draft.
One positive for Hurts is that he does fit today’s game at the position.
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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.
