NORMAN, Okla. – Almost begrudgingly, Jalen Hurts is having some fun.
His Oklahoma teammates and coaches have defended their quarterback when asked about Hurts’ seemingly aloof personality, saying there’s more to one of college football’s most successful players in recent years. Hurts has let loose on a few occasions, revealing another side of the Alabama transfer.
“I told Jalen before he came here that if he did come here, that one of my goals was going to be for him to be able to enjoy it and have fun with it,” Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley said. “I think that’s an important part of this game. (I) have had guys like him before that take it so seriously. And he does have fun – he has more fun with it than probably you guys see on the outside.”
It’s understandable given his path why Hurts remains so focused. He knows how quickly things can change.
NCAA college football player and Heisman Trophy finalist, Oklahoma quarterback Jalen Hurts talks to the media during a news conference before the start of the Heisman Trophy ceremony, Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019, in New York. (AP Photo/Jason Szenes)He was Alabama’s starting quarterback for two seasons before Tua Tagovailoa replaced him at halftime of the national championship game following the 2017 season. Tagovailoa rallied the Tide to victory against Georgia and got the starting job the next year. Hurts stayed at Alabama instead of transferring, and in an ironic twist of fate he endeared himself to Alabama fans by rallying the Tide past none other than Georgia in the Southeastern Conference championship game after Tagovailoa was injured.