Taking a pass: Hurts headed to Oklahoma
Link to OC Enos isn’t enough to lure Alabama QB to ’Canes
CORAL GABLES — Jalen Hurts has made it official — he is leaving Alabama and transferring to Oklahoma, not Miami which had been recruiting him in recent days.
Less than a week after creating a national stir when he entered his name into the NCAA’s transfer database, the former Alabama quarterback announced in a piece published by The Players Tribune that while he appreciated his time at Alabama, he would finish his college career at Oklahoma.
Two of his former coaches at Alabama — Maryland’s Mike Locksley, who was Hurts’ offensive coordinator in Tuscaloosa, and Miami offensive coordinator Dan Enos, who was his quarterbacks coach at Alabama — had been hoping to add him to their respective rosters.
Instead, Hurts decided playing at Oklahoma, where Sooners coach Lincoln Riley has coached the last two Heisman winners in Kyler Murray and Baker Mayfield, was
best for him.
“I’m Bama for LIFE — and that right there will never change! But now it’s also time for me to start a new chapter in my story,” Hurts wrote for The Players Tribune. “I’ve decided to take my talents to the University of Oklahoma, where I will continue my development as both a quarterback and as a student. I’m very excited to have this opportunity and I’m excited for the journey ahead.”
Hurts’ announcement came less than 24 hours after former Ohio State quarterback Tate Martell announced he was transferring to Miami, and days after a whirlwind weekend during which Hurts visited Maryland, Miami and Oklahoma. Late Sunday, pictures circulated online of Hurts at posh South Beach steakhouse Prime 112 with members of Miami’s coaching staff, including new coach Manny Diaz.
Ultimately, though, Hurts settled on Oklahoma as the Hurricanes couldn’t bring both of the high-profile quarterbacks to Coral Gables.
In his three-year career at Alabama, Hurts posted a 26-2 record as a starter. While he primarily served as Tua Tagovailoa’s backup last season, in 2017 he started 14 games and ranked third in the SEC in total yards (2,936) and ninth in total offense per game at 209.7 yards. As a sophomore, he completed 61 percent of his passes for 2,081 yards and 17 touchdowns with just one interception. He also rushed for a teamhigh 154 times for 855 yards and was named the Offensive MVP of the Sugar Bowl.
Last season, he appeared in 13 games behind Tagovailoa and completed 50-of-71 passes for 765 yards with eight touchdowns and two interceptions. He rushed for another 167 yards and two touchdowns.
One of his more memorable performances came in this year’s SEC Championship when, after Tagovailoa injured his ankle, Hurts came into the game and helped Alabama rally for a 35-28 comeback win over Georgia that not only gave the Crimson Tide the conference title, but assured it a berth in the College Football Playoff.