Report: Jalen Hurd leaves Tennessee, hopes to play WR/TE
By Carly Regehr
Tennessee RB Jalen Hurd told teammates on Sunday night that he plans to transfer.
It’s been an up-and-down struggle for Tennessee fans this year. After wins against then-ranked Florida and Georgia, Tennessee has lost their last three. Many players are also banged up, including running back Alvin Kamara, who will be out until late-season since being diagnosed with a knee injury. However, there’s another problem in Knoxville, Jalen Hurd, the man Kamara replaced, plans to transfer.
Sources: Tennessee running back Jalen Hurd told teammates last night he plans to transfer and play receiver or tight end at his new school
— Jimmy Hyams (@JimmyHyams) October 31, 2016
It’s a blow to the Tennessee offense since Hurd was scheduled to be back in Week 10, but now doubt has been cast on his return. Through seven games in 2016, Hurd has run the ball 122 times for 451 yards and three touchdowns. He also has 10 receptions for 81 yards and two touchdowns.
There might not be many options for Jalen Hurd. He might end up at a JUCO school to ride out the remainder of his junior year. Or he could just take some more time off and declare his intention to enter the 2017 NFL Draft. Either way, the choice to leave Tennessee wasn’t easy for Hurd. He’s been enrolled there since 2014 and had his best statistical performance last year (1,285 rushing yards, 12 TDs; 190 receiving yards, two TDs).
Apparently, Hurd’s uncle chimed in on social media, providing a scope on Hurd’s situation:
Reports that running back Jalen Hurd has quit Tennessee team. Here’s a purported post from his uncle explaining why: pic.twitter.com/i7llKHNDAN
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) October 31, 2016
According to the post, it’s evident that Hurd wasn’t all too content in how Butch Jones utilized him in some formations. Overall, Hurd’s alleged disappointment makes things awkward if he is to ever face Tennessee in the future, pending his decision. At 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds, Hurd would fit best at tight end, where he can optimize his large frame to fend off incoming pressure.
Next: Projected Top 25 after Week 9
Given Hurd’s largue stature at running back, his decision to switch positions is a fair one. Terrelle Pryor isn’t off to a bad start after he switched from quarterback to wide receiver. Also, Nick Marshall played QB at Auburn, but decided to enter the NFL as a defensive player.
After a Week 9 loss to South Carolina, 21-24, Tennessee might be able to breathe easy for the remainder of the season. The next four weeks includes cupcake games between Tennessee Tech, Kentucky, Missouri and Vanderbilt.