Jalen Hurts: College Superstar, Low Draft Stock

Day 1 of the NFL Draft is one of the most prestigious days in sports. The most talented college football players get their names called in front of millions of fans both in the stands and at home. That however, will not likely be the case for one of the most talented college football players of all time, Jalen Hurts. Hurts had an outstanding college football career that included some impressive numbers. During his 4 years as a college football quarterback Hurts boasted a successful total of 9,477 passing yards, 3,274 rushing yards, and 124 total touchdowns; all while only throwing 19 interceptions and having a career completion percentage of 65 percent. Hurts posted these numbers as a 3 year starter. Even though Hurts posted these video game type numbers during his college career, he did have to endure some hardships.

The 2018 National Championship game was a very low point in Jalen Hurts’ career. Though his team the Alabama Crimson Tide won the big game, Hurts had one of the worst games of his college career throwing 3-8 for only 21 yards; his team was down at the half 13-0 to the Georgia Bulldogs. This led to Hurts being benched. This game was the beginning of the end of Hurts’ career at the University of Alabama. Hurts’ former backup Tua Tagovailoa was named the following season starter and Hurts handled it gracefully. Hurts backed up Tua all season and waited for his opportunity. His opportunity eventually came on December 1st 2018, against the same Georgia Bulldogs. Tua went down in the 4th quarter with an injury and Hurts took over with the team down 28-21. This game was almost as big as the first, the winner of this game would advance to the 2019 National Championship Game. With 5:20 left to play Hurts threw a 10 yard touchdown pass to receiver Jerry Jeudy, tying the game at 28. His biggest moment was yet to come, with 1:04 left Hurts rushed for a 15 yard game winning touchdown completing an exceptional comeback. Head Coach Nick Saban was in tears after the game stating “I’m so proud of this guy for what he’s done this year I can’t even tell you.” Jalen would later transfer that offseason taking his talents to Oklahoma, to play his senior season under Head Coach Lincoln Riley. Hurts saved his best season for last as he threw for 3,851 yards, and 32 touchdowns, while having a nearly 70% completion percentage. He also rushed for 1,298 yards and another 20 touchdowns. These numbers were good enough for Hurts to be the Heisman Trophy runner up. Oklahoma finished the season ranked 4th in the nation but was eliminated in the playoffs by the eventual champions LSU, ending Hurts’ magical college football career. 

According to NFL.com Hurts is the number 6 quarterback draft prospect despite his fantastic college resume. Despite being one of the most winningest and successful college quarterbacks of all time Jalen Hurts is often criticized for his abilities as a passer. These criticisms have hurt his draft stock and have made him a projected 3rd to 4th round pick. Some of these criticisms have even led to coaches wondering whether or not quarterback is the appropriate position for Hurts. Hurts ran a blazing 4.59 40 yard dash at the NFL combine. His elite rushing skills and tremendous speed have made many NFL personnel executives wonder if he is more suited to play running back in the pros. When asked about a potential position change Hurts said, “I’ve always been a team first guy, but I think I’m a quarterback. I think that’s that." With his 6'2 frame and incredible speed, Hurts can easily become a dynamic duel threat quarterback given the proper offense.

Jalen Hurts built a legacy in his 4 years as a college football player. He showed tremendous leadership as well as big play making ability, leading his teams to an outstanding record of 36-4 as a starter. When Nick Saban was asked about Hurts’ incredible start to his senior season he said “Jalen is a very mature guy. Great competitor, unique skillset, and improved dramatically last year when he wasn’t playing as a passer. Because he worked at it, he had a good coach, and he knew that was something that he needed to get better at, and it doesn’t surprise me at all. I’m actually happy for the guy. There’s never been a guy that — anywhere in college football — that did things more correctly and set a better example as a leader than Jalen Hurts did while he was here by staying here after he was replaced as a starter. I have the utmost respect for this guy as a person and as a competitor. I’m glad to see him doing well.” Jalen Hurts likely won’t hear his name called until the second day of the NFL Draft, however if history proves anything it is certain that he will make the most of any opportunity he is given.