Jalen Hurts has an “old school” soul and Alabama fans remember it.
He celebrated his 22nd birthday on Aug. 7 and on Friday, the former Crimson Tide and Oklahoma quarterback channeled his inner Al Green for the Philadelphia Eagles at its training camp rookie show. As the No. 53 overall pick of the team, the native Texan charmed the crowd by performing “Love and Happiness.” With him sporting a Phillies’ jacket, Hurts gave it his best effort and earned some laughs from a few teammates — including wide receiver DeSean Jackson.
Eagles training camp rookie show@JalenHurts ?
Gotta love the Phillies jacket
? @DeSeanJackson10 pic.twitter.com/Wv1Pmtt28g— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) August 14, 2020
On the football field, Hurts was a difference maker.
During three seasons at Alabama (2016-18), he totaled 5,626 passing yards, 1,976 rushing yards and 71 total touchdowns.
He was named Freshman of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year in the Southeastern Conference in 2016, while rescuing the Tide to an SEC Championship in 2018. When it comes to his career at Alabama, Hurts ranks eighth all-time for passing yards, third for touchdown passes (48) and fourth for total offense (7,601 yards).
He was on two SEC Championship teams and one College Football Playoff National Championship roster (2017).
At Oklahoma, Hurts became the first player of the CFP era to take two different schools to the playoff.
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He received first-team All-Big 12 honors and was the conference’s Offensive Newcomer of the Year.
Hurts recorded 3,851 passing yards, 1,298 rushing yards and 53 total touchdowns (one receiving) through 14 games, leading the Sooners to a Big 12 Championship. Despite not winning a national title, he was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy and brought a winning mentality to Oklahoma. It was fun to see him pay tribute to Al Green, but Hurts was brought to the city of brotherly love to help the Eagles capture another Super Bowl.
Head coach Doug Pederson has big plans for him.
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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.
