Previous: Chris Platt | Xavier Jones | Blake Blackmar | Jamie Jacobs | Greg Roberts | Patrick Lawrence | Josh Malin | Drew Galitz | Verkedric Vaughns | Christian Beard | Trevor White | Jalan McClendon | Derrek Thomas
Tennessee transfer Jalen Hurd has been eagerly awaiting his return to the field. After sitting out a year as per NCAA requirements, Hurd left an impressive legacy at Tennessee before ending up at Baylor, a move that even stunned the coaching staff.
“I’m telling you, we got away with highway robbery,” Assistant Coach Evan Cooper said in an article written by Matt Hayes of Bleacher Report. “Literally, this might be the most talented player I have seen.”
Hurd was putting up stats at Tennessee. As a freshman, his rushing total of 899 yards is the 3rd most in a single season by a true freshman in Tennessee history.
In 2015, he was the first sophomore to rush for 1,000 yards in a single season in Tennessee history. He also had a streak of three straight 100-yard games and tied for fourth in SEC for touchdowns with 14.
As a junior, Hurd appeared in seven games with seven starts. He rushed for 110 yards on 28 carries and recovered a fumble in the end zone in overtime for a game-winning touchdown against Appalachian State. Against Florida, Hurd rushed 95 yards on 26 carries and had two receptions for 25 yards, including a 23-yard touchdown that sparked a Tennessee comeback.
And then he chose to leave the program in the middle of the season and finish his career elsewhere. That elsewhere being Baylor.
Hurd has stated in multiple interviews that he was expressing interest to play wide receiver, that the running back position was causing nagging injuries and taking its toll, and that Tennessee wasn’t reciprocating the same feelings. But electing to transfer halfway through the 2016 season meant that Hurd would have to sit out the 2017 season to meet NCAA requirements. So that’s what he did.
“It was humbling,” Hurd said in an after practice interview on April 5, 2018. “I had to take my time to sit out and I think I’ll do a lot better this year.”
Additionally, Hurd is now in the wide receiver’s room along with Denzel Mims, Chris Platt, Jared Atkinson, Tony Nicholson, Pooh Stricklin and a handful of other talented players.
“A lot of talent,” Hurd said about the wide receiver position for this upcoming season. “It’s insane. It’ll be nice to work with.”
Hurd left the University of Tennessee second in program history in carries (589), sixth in yards (2,638), and fifth in 100-yard games (11). He was also the 2016 Outback Bowl MVP.
Jalen Hurd is from Hendersonville, Tennessee and is majoring in Health, Kinesiology, and Leisure Studies.
Antonia’s Thoughts: The moment Jalen Hurd steps out onto the field for his first snap in green and gold will have most in bated breath. Since his arrival, I’ve heard nothing but the highest praise for all the work he’s put in during practices and workouts. All the coaches are eager to see him finally set loose as a wide receiver and the other members of the team are hyping him up as well. But…we still haven’t seen him play.
Hurd didn’t make an appearance in Baylor's Green and Gold Game in April due to precautions for a hamstring tweak. From what I’ve seen, he is a freak of an athlete and the wide receiver position fits him well; he’s quick, has hands, and has the football I.Q. to get it. You can definitely count me as one of the spectators that will be eagerly waiting to see just how well Hurd plays in an actual game against other Big 12 defenses at his current wide receiver position.
