Jalen Hurts: Records, highlights, statistics, and college football career

Jalen Hurts: Records, Highlights, Statistics, and College Football Career

Jalen Hurts is a name that resonates deeply within both college and professional football. His meteoric rise from a high school football standout to a dual-threat quarterback in college, and eventually to the NFL, is a story marked by hard work, resilience, and determination. From his early days as a high school athlete to his successful collegiate career at Alabama and Oklahoma, Hurts’ trajectory has been one of perseverance in the face of adversity. His subsequent rise in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles has cemented his place as one of the league’s most dynamic quarterbacks.

In this article, we will explore Jalen Hurts’ career, his records, career highlights, and statistics, as well as his college football years, which helped shape him into the player he is today.

Jalen Hurts: Early Life and High School Career

Jalen Alexander Hurts was born on August 7, 1998, in Houston, Texas. He grew up in a football-oriented family and quickly developed a love for the sport. His father, Averion Hurts, was a high school football coach, and this environment played a key role in shaping Jalen’s understanding of the game and his work ethic.

Hurts attended Channelview High School in Houston, where he became a star quarterback. His high school career was exceptional, and by the time he graduated, he had amassed over 6,000 passing yards, 1,300 rushing yards, and 78 total touchdowns. Hurts’ performances caught the attention of college recruiters across the country, and he was ranked as a four-star recruit by multiple recruiting services.

College Football Career: University of Alabama

Jalen Hurts’ college career began at the University of Alabama, one of the most storied programs in NCAA history. He committed to Alabama as part of the recruiting class of 2016, and he quickly made an impact as a freshman.

2016 Season: Breakout Freshman Year

Hurts’ first year at Alabama was nothing short of spectacular. He was named the starting quarterback for the Crimson Tide in Week 1, making him the first freshman to start at quarterback for Alabama in the Nick Saban era. In his first season, Hurts led Alabama to a 14-1 record and a spot in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.

During the 2016 season, Hurts showcased his dual-threat ability, throwing for 2,780 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions. He also rushed for 954 yards and 13 touchdowns, proving to be one of the most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks in college football. His playmaking ability, leadership, and poise under pressure earned him numerous accolades, including being named the SEC Offensive Player of the Year and a finalist for the prestigious Davey O’Brien Award.

Although Alabama lost to Clemson in the National Championship Game, Hurts’ remarkable freshman campaign established him as one of the top quarterbacks in college football.

2017 Season: National Championship and Struggles

In his sophomore season, Hurts’ career at Alabama reached new heights, although it was not without its challenges. Alabama once again found itself in the College Football Playoff, but this time, Hurts faced competition for his starting job. The Crimson Tide had a young, talented quarterback in Tua Tagovailoa, who would become Hurts’ main rival for the starting role.

Despite being benched during the National Championship Game in favor of Tua, Hurts contributed significantly throughout the season. He threw for 1,940 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions, while also rushing for 855 yards and 8 touchdowns. In the SEC Championship Game against Georgia, Hurts stepped in for Tua after he was injured and led Alabama to a thrilling 35-28 comeback victory. Hurts was instrumental in the Crimson Tide’s 2017 National Championship run, and his resilience in a high-pressure situation was a key moment in his career.

2018 Season: Transition and Departure from Alabama

Jalen Hurts’ 2018 season was a turning point in his career. Although he was benched in favor of Tua Tagovailoa as Alabama’s starting quarterback, Hurts remained a critical part of the team’s success. He played in several games, often in relief of Tua, and displayed his ability to execute both in the air and on the ground. Hurts finished the 2018 season with 765 passing yards, 8 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions, as well as 167 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns.

In the spring of 2019, Hurts made the decision to transfer to the University of Oklahoma, seeking more playing time and the opportunity to finish his collegiate career as a starting quarterback. This decision was a difficult one, as Hurts had established a strong bond with his Alabama teammates and coaches. Nevertheless, Hurts left Alabama as one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in the program’s storied history, finishing his career with a 26-2 record as a starting quarterback and a National Championship to his name.

College Career at the University of Oklahoma

After transferring to Oklahoma, Hurts joined a program known for producing high-profile quarterbacks, including Heisman Trophy winners Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray. Hurts’ decision to play for Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley proved to be a successful one, as he had an outstanding final season in college football.

2019 Season: Heisman Finalist and Big 12 Championship

Hurts wasted no time making an impact at Oklahoma, leading the team to an 11-2 record and a spot in the College Football Playoff. His performances throughout the season were electrifying. Hurts threw for 3,851 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions, and he rushed for 1,298 yards and 20 touchdowns. He became the first quarterback in college football history to record 30+ passing touchdowns and 20+ rushing touchdowns in the same season.

Hurts’ ability to dominate both in the air and on the ground earned him a spot as a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. While LSU’s Joe Burrow ultimately won the award, Hurts’ play was widely regarded as one of the best performances in college football during the 2019 season.

Hurts also helped lead Oklahoma to a Big 12 Championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff. However, the Sooners’ playoff run came to an end in the semifinals against LSU, as they were defeated 63-28. Nevertheless, Hurts’ leadership and all-around performance during his lone season at Oklahoma solidified his status as one of the top quarterbacks in college football.

College Career Statistics and Records

Jalen Hurts finished his college football career with impressive statistics and records. Over the course of his four years, Hurts totaled:

• 9,477 passing yards
• 80 passing touchdowns
• 23 interceptions
• 3,274 rushing yards
• 43 rushing touchdowns

Hurts became one of the most versatile quarterbacks in college football history, setting several school and NCAA records for his ability to pass and run. His leadership on the field and his ability to perform in high-pressure situations left an indelible mark on college football.

Jalen Hurts: NFL Career and Achievements

Jalen Hurts declared for the 2020 NFL Draft after his standout season at Oklahoma. He was selected in the second round, 53rd overall, by the Philadelphia Eagles. His early years in the NFL have shown promise, and Hurts has quickly established himself as one of the league’s most dynamic quarterbacks.

In his rookie season, Hurts started four games for the Eagles, throwing for 1,061 yards, 6 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions. He also showcased his dual-threat abilities, rushing for 354 yards and 3 touchdowns. In his sophomore year (2021), Hurts helped lead the Eagles to the playoffs, with 3,144 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions. He also rushed for 784 yards and 10 touchdowns, showing that he could thrive as both a passer and a runner.

Hurts’ ability to lead the Eagles both as a quarterback and a leader has made him one of the most exciting young players in the NFL.