Former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts has announced that he'll be taking his talents to Norman, Oklahoma.
Hurts published a piece on The Player's Tribune today titled, "To My Alabama Family," in which he reflected on his years in Tuscaloosa and looked ahead to his next chapter with the Oklahoma Sooners.
The 20-year old Houston native writes: "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 fortunate to have this opportunity, and I’m excited for the journey ahead."
Hurts, a junior, lost his starting job this season to sophomore sensation Tua Tagovailoa, who led the Crimson Tide to a 14-0 record before they were dismantled by Clemson in the National Championship.
During his' first two years at Alabama, Hurts threw for a combined 4,861 yards, 40 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, to go along with 1,809 yards and 21 touchdowns rushing, according to ESPN.
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Hurts appeared in all but two games this season, including the SEC Championship when he stepped up to lead Alabama to victory over Georgia after Tagovailoa suffered an injury.
"I've probably never been more proud of a player than Jalen," Saban said. "It's unprecedented to have a guy that won as many games as he won -- I think 26 or something, over a two-year period, start as a freshman, only lose a couple games this whole time that he was a starter -- and then all of a sudden, he's not the quarterback.
"How do you manage that? How do you handle that? You've got to have a tremendous amount of character and class to put team first, knowing your situation is not what it used to be. And for a guy that's a great competitor, that takes a lot. It's not easy to do."
According to ESPN, Hurts has one year of eligibility remaining and since he graduated in December. The Sooners went 12-2 this past season with Heisman winner Kyler Murray behind center, but he will either be playing in the NFL or for the Oakland Athletics next season.