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Getting to Know the Opponent: UT’s Jalen Hurd

By Jay Hawkins

Jan 1, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Jalen Hurd (1) runs with the ball as Northwestern Wildcats safety Godwin Igwebuike (16) attempted to defend during the second half in the 2016 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Tennessee Volunteers defeated the Northwestern Wildcats 45-6. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Jalen Hurd (1) runs with the ball as Northwestern Wildcats safety Godwin Igwebuike (16) attempted to defend during the second half in the 2016 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Tennessee Volunteers defeated the Northwestern Wildcats 45-6. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tennessee’s Jalen Hurd is a player to keep your eyes on in 2016.

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One of the toughest teams UGA will face in 2016 will be Tennessee. After all, they are the favorite to win the SEC East next year and are a candidate to reach the CFB Playoff.

Volunteers’ quarterback Josh Dobbs gets all the focus and hype and understandably so. However, Tennessee has boatloads of talent around him, and one of those guys is his backfield mate running back Jalen Hurd.

Hurd was one of the top running back prospects coming out of Hendersonville, Tenn., in the Class of 2014. He had many Vols fans excited when he signed with their team, and he has certainly done some good things in Knoxville thus far.

In his freshman season, he rushed for 899 yards and scored five touchdowns. Last season, Hurd improved his rushing stats as he compiled 1,288 yards on the ground and 12 scores. He did this despite sharing the backfield with fellow running back and Alabama transfer Alvin Kamara.

Tennessee running back Jalen Hurd has the potential to be even better in 2016. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Tennessee running back Jalen Hurd has the potential to be even better in 2016. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

Hurd is one of the biggest backs around as he stands at 6-4, 240 pounds. Hurd is a very physical player and tough to bring down on initial contact. He has good speed and can be a dangerous player.

Hurd’s biggest thing he has got going for him is that he is just a workhorse. He just keeps grinding out tough runs.

Tennessee has a lot of offensive firepower and a lot of balance. As previously mentioned, Josh Dobbs is the guy everyone focuses on and is the chief playmaker of the Volunteers’ offense. Also, Alvin Kamara gets significant carries as well.

Not to disrespect Hurd, however, he can get lost and overlooked. That is a dangerous thing to do. He will be one of the top backs in the SEC this fall though the stat sheet might not give him full credit.

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When the first Saturday in October comes around and UGA welcomes the Volunteers to Sanford Stadium, the Bulldogs will have their hands full. Tennessee has talent all over the field, and Jalen Hurd is one of the cream of the crop.

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