The “next man up” mentality made Alabama football special in the Nick Saban era.
Student-athletes recruited by Saban to the Crimson Tide anticipate keeping a standard of excellence as a focal point.
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Tide fans rejoiced this week as two cornerbacks got selected in the National Football League Draft. Terrion Arnold went in the first round (No. 24 overall) to the Detroit Lions, while Kool-Aid McKinstry went in the second round (No. 41 overall) to the New Orleans Saints. Both starters from Alabama’s 2023 Southeastern Conference Championship team are in the NFL, but who steps up to fill their shoes? Kalen DeBoer inherited an outside cornerback that wants to silence doubters and knows he is next in line.
Jahlil Hurley, a former five-star in the 2023 recruiting class, is in his second season. A redshirt freshman, the Florence (Ala.) native understands the culture and expectations for Alabama defenders. He had a good spring; however, Hurley wants marquee production. Hurley arrived in Tuscaloosa (Ala.) at 6’2″ and 170 pounds, but he’s added healthy weight to his frame.
He covered a lot of ground at Florence High School, displaying versatility to play cornerback or safety. Hurley totaled 99 tackles across his junior and senior seasons at Florence, 10 interceptions, 11 pass breakups, three forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and four tackles for loss. He believes that his time has come to prove himself right. Hurley hung on to the starting spot at one of two corner positions throughout spring practice. He’s had to fend off talented freshmen, but Hurley feels he is ready for the moment.
I didn’t forget what they said about me.🫣
— Jahlil Hurley (@fnolil_) April 27, 2024
Spring practice is over for the Tide; however, fans are looking forward to how Hurley looks in fall camp.
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Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
