Adversity is nothing new to Jalen Hurts.
He faced it at the University of Alabama in the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship Game, where he was benched for Tua Tagovailoa in the second half versus Georgia.
Before the moment, he had to hear how much better Tagovailoa was than him throughout the 2017 season. As a true freshman in 2016, external factors doubted his abilities to be a starting quarterback for the Crimson Tide.
He proved the critics wrong by setting school records and assisting the Tide to the CFP.
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During the 2018 season, Tagovailoa suffered an injury in the Southeastern Conference title game. Hurts entered the contest against the Georgia Bulldogs in the second half and guided Alabama to a 35-28 comeback victory. It was poetic justice for him as he showed Tide fans he was capable of clutch performances. After one season at Oklahoma, Hurts battles adversity once again.
He was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
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The franchise traded Carson Wentz to the Indianapolis Colts, and fans want to see Hurts as its starter. Whether it’s national media pundits or those within the Eagles’ organization, not everyone is sold on Hurts being the quarterback.
Philadelphia is considering the idea of bringing in a veteran to challenge Hurts or taking a quarterback in the upcoming draft.
He did not flinch at Alabama, he did not flinch at Oklahoma, and Hurts is not flinching now.
The native Texan is on a mission to prove his worth.
Hurts has been training with Quincy Avery, a private quarterback coach from Atlanta, Ga.
Everyday is a work day with @JalenHurts pic.twitter.com/G7VuhzDeqv
— quincy_avery (@Quincy_Avery) February 21, 2021
Jalen Hurts is preparing to be Eagles quarterback working with QB coach Quincy Avery today
🎥 @Quincy_Avery pic.twitter.com/3GB6Kiw5XC
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) February 20, 2021
The two have been crafting Hurts’ footwork, pocket presence, and passing mechanics.
He has the potential to be a marquee signal-caller in the National Football League, especially with the signs he displayed as a rookie. Hurts had two 300-yard passing games and when he took over for Wentz, he brought a higher level of energy to the offense. He has never been one to give up easily, and that will not be expected from him now.
Hurts is preparing to be the next young quarterback to emerge in the league.
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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
