Jalen Hurts: From Alabama to the NFL

Jalen Hurts is a young American football quarterback who currently plays for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). He was born on August 7, 1998, in Houston, Texas, and grew up in Channelview, Texas. Hurts played college football at the University of Alabama and the University of Oklahoma before being selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Early Life and High School Career

Hurts was born into a family of athletes, as his father Averion Hurts played college football at Texas Southern University and his mother Pamela Hurts played basketball at Cal State Northridge. Hurts attended Channelview High School, where he played football for the Falcons. He was a highly rated recruit and received offers from several top college programs, including Texas A&M, Auburn, and Oklahoma.

In his senior year, Hurts threw for 2,384 yards and 26 touchdowns, while also rushing for 1,391 yards and 25 touchdowns. He led his team to an 11-1 record and a district championship, earning him several awards and accolades.

College Career at Alabama and Oklahoma

Hurts committed to play football at the University of Alabama and made an immediate impact as a true freshman. He led the Crimson Tide to the College Football Playoff National Championship game in his first year, but they lost to the Clemson Tigers. Hurts was named the SEC Offensive Player of the Year and was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy.

In his sophomore year, Hurts led Alabama to another national championship game, but this time he was replaced by freshman quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in the second half. Hurts was gracious in his support of Tagovailoa and remained with the team for his junior year, where he served as a backup to Tagovailoa.

After graduating from Alabama in 2019, Hurts transferred to the University of Oklahoma for his final year of eligibility. He had a successful season with the Sooners, throwing for 3,851 yards and 32 touchdowns, while also rushing for 1,298 yards and 20 touchdowns. Hurts was named the Big 12 Newcomer of the Year and was a Heisman Trophy finalist for the second time.

NFL Career with the Philadelphia Eagles

Hurts was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He initially served as a backup to veteran quarterback Carson Wentz but saw significant playing time in the second half of the season. In his first career start against the New Orleans Saints, Hurts threw for 167 yards and one touchdown and rushed for 106 yards in a 24-21 victory.

After Wentz was traded to the Indianapolis Colts in the offseason, Hurts was named the starting quarterback for the Eagles for the 2021 season. He had an up-and-down season, but showed flashes of potential and made some impressive plays with both his arm and his legs.

Hurts finished the 2021 season with 2,967 passing yards, 16 touchdown passes, and 10 interceptions, along with 784 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. While the Eagles did not make the playoffs, Hurts’s performance was enough to earn him the starting job for the 2022 season.

Style of Play and Future Potential

Hurts is known for his dual-threat ability as a quarterback, as he is equally effective at throwing and running the ball. He has a strong arm and can make accurate throws both from the pocket and on the run. He is also a skilled runner, with good speed and agility, and can break tackles and gain yards with