Ranking Alabama football starting quarterbacks under Nick Saban
By Ronald Moody
No. 3 – Jalen Hurts
The explosive dual-threat quarterback was the SEC Offensive Player of the year as a true freshman. Jalen Hurts’ breathtaking playmaking ability was always on display starting from the time he stepped on campus.
Hurts beat out Blake Barnett for the starting job after Alabama’s first game. He was 240 of 382 for 2,780 yards with 23 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Additionally, he added 954 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground.
Hurts’ dynamic play led Alabama football to an SEC Championship win and a national championship rematch against the Clemson Tigers. His last play in the against Clemson in 2016 was a hard-nosed 30-yard scramble for the go-ahead touchdown.
Related Story: Jalen and Tua prepare to lead without controversy
His sophomore season, he completed 154 passes for 2,081 yards with 17 touchdowns and one interception. Coupled with 855 yards rushing and eight touchdowns, Hurts led the Tide to another College Football Playoff championship game.
Jalen will spend the spring, summer and perhaps even the fall competing with Tua for playing time. Both young men appear determined to handle the situation while providing support for each other and leadership for the team.