As the Jacksonville Jaguars began their preseason, many had no clue who Allen Hurns was. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound stud receiver from the University of Miami was the leader in the receiving core for a group of young and talented playmakers.
While playing for a school that has Michael Irvin, Andre Johnson, Santana Moss and Reggie Wayne as alumni, Hurns left the Hurricanes program with their single-season receiving yards record with 1,162 yards.
After going undrafted in the 2014 NFL Draft, Hurns is attempting to establish a name for himself.
Going into the NFL preseason and Jacksonville Jaguars training camp I can picture Hurns saying something along these lines about attempting to make the Jaguars roster this year.
“I just came from the University of Miami and I couldn’t play in a bowl game one year because of the stupidity of my former teammates. I can imagine getting taken care of, sitting courtside at Miami Heat games, being draped in diamonds and receiving money to play well. But last year I had to suffer because of the mistakes of others.
I ‘m in control of my destiny, so when I get into this camp in Jacksonville, I am learning this playbook, staying out of trouble and balling out.”
Trouble is the main reason Hurns is getting a lot of reps within practice and games.
Jaguars wide receiver Ace Saunders is facing suspension from the NFL for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.
In addition, Justin Blackmon is currently suspended indefinitely by the NFL. While on his initial one year suspension of the NFL’s substance abuse policy, he received a third offense in less than two seasons of being a professional and it became an indefinite suspension.
Blackmon and Saunders struggles have opened doors that allowed Hurns to have opportunities to shine.
I can hear Hurns secretly thinking in his mind saying “Thank you Ace, Thank you Justin. Now it‘s my time.”
His time is correct, because on the field against the Chicago Bears Hurns seized every second on the gridiron to showcase to the world that he can be a factor for Jacksonville.
Bortles and Hurns looked in sync playing together. The tandem connected often and Hurns finished the game as the best receiver for the Jaguars, leading them with four catches for 74 yards.
In limited time playing time in the preseason Hurns has six catches and an impressive 117 yards, leaving him eighth in receiving yards and tenth in yards per game in the NFL.
Hurns is making the most of his opportunity as if his name were Craig Schwartz and the NFL were John Malkovich. He is garnering attention from the minds of most of the Jaguars and in the NFL realm.
If and when Hurns does make the Jaguars final roster, he might continue to stay as one of Bortles (if they are smart, he’ll be starting) favorite targets and turn into an immediate impact player.
It has been said “Do not cease to give thanks.” From the looks of Allen Hurns play, he will be thanking Justin Blackmon & Ace Saunders a lot after he wins himself a roster spot.