Sometime Saturday in Tuscaloosa, Jalen Hurts will play in his fourth Alabama football game of the 2018 season. Before he reaches that redshirt threshold, he is due an apology.
Alabama football fans, allow me to be clear. In the title of this post, “we” is used and it is not meant to apply to all Alabama football fans. The “we” does not even apply to everyone affiliated with Bama Hammer. Instead of “we” I should have said, “I owe Jalen an apology.”
It matters not that Jalen does not know me. Nor does it matter my previous posts about the high probability of a redshirt for Jalen did not chastise him for such a decision. I became convinced a redshirt year, protecting two-years of eligibility, was in Jalen’s best interest. Like several others who report on Alabama football, I believed a few credible insiders who stated a redshirt decision had been made.
I was wrong to presume I knew what was in Jalen’s best interest. I was wrong to assume I understood his priorities. That there was ample indication Jalen would make such a choice is no excuse.
Though he is not likely to ever read this, I must say – Jalen I am sorry. Please accept my apology.
There is now zero indication from anyone, particularly Nick Saban, that Jalen came close to a redshirt decision. Except for a few short minutes of public frustration during fall camp, Jalen has said nothing publicly. He is to be commended for such restraint.
The apparent bond he and Tua have cannot go unrecognized. With each passing day, it becomes more clear Jalen values a commitment to his teammates. In what has to have been a struggle for him, he has continued to toil away. Against Ole Miss, the continued development of Jalen as a passer was evident.
Alabama football fans should be thankful for his toughness and determination. Sometime Saturday, when he enters the Texas A&M game, I expect he will be glad to get that fourth game behind him. All of us should not wait another week until he plays in the Louisana-Lafayette game to fully thank him.
We should thank him and not because he may be needed to take over for an injured Tua at some point. We should thank him for sticking, in a situation where many walk away.
For the record, here are the earlier posts I wrote about Jalen and a redshirt.
What follows a Jalen redshirt decision
Why Jalen should sit against ASU
I am happy to have been wrong.
Alabama football fans need no reminder of the microscope Crimson Tide quarterbacks live under. We are fortunate to have such fine young men on the roster.