Jalen Hurts, a highly-touted quarterback recruit out of Houston, made waves in the college football world when he announced his decision to transfer from the University of Alabama to the University of Oklahoma in January 2019.
The move surprised many, as Hurts had spent his entire college career up to that point as a star player for the Crimson Tide. In this article, we will examine the reasons behind Hurts’ decision to transfer to Oklahoma and what this move means for both him and the Sooners.
One of the main reasons that Jalen Hurts decided to transfer to Oklahoma was the opportunity for playing time. Hurts had been Alabama’s starting quarterback for most of his time there, but was benched in favor of Tua Tagovailoa during the 2018 season.
Despite this setback, Hurts remained a highly sought-after recruit and had a number of potential landing spots when he announced his transfer.
At Oklahoma, Hurts knew that he would have a chance to compete for the starting quarterback job immediately. The Sooners had just lost Heisman Trophy winner Kyler Murray to the NFL, and there was no clear frontrunner for the starting job heading into the 2019 season. Hurts’ experience and track record as a successful quarterback in the SEC made him an attractive option for Oklahoma’s coaching staff.
In addition to the opportunity for playing time, Hurts was also drawn to Oklahoma’s offensive system. The Sooners have long been known for their high-powered, pass-heavy offense, which has produced numerous top NFL draft picks at the quarterback position. Hurts felt that this system would be a good fit for his skills and allow him to showcase his abilities as a passer and his running ability.
Another factor that likely played a role in Hurts’ decision to transfer was the opportunity to work with Oklahoma’s head coach, Lincoln Riley. Riley had previously coached two Heisman Trophy-winning quarterbacks at Oklahoma (Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray) and was known for his innovative offensive schemes and ability to develop talent at the quarterback position.
Hurts likely saw this as a chance to learn from one of the best coaches in college football and further refine his skills as a quarterback.
Since arriving at Oklahoma, Jalen Hurts has made an immediate impact for the Sooners. He started all 14 games in the 2019 season, throwing for over 3,800 yards and 32 touchdowns while also rushing for over 1,200 yards and 20 touchdowns.
He led the team to a Big 12 championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff, where LSU ultimately defeated them in the semifinals. Despite the loss, Hurts’ performance throughout the season was widely praised and he was named a Heisman Trophy finalist.
Hurts’ decision to transfer to Oklahoma has proven to be a successful one thus far, both for him and the Sooners. He has been able to showcase his skills as a quarterback in a new offensive system while also continuing to develop his game under the tutelage of one of the best coaches in college football.
As he prepares for the 2020 NFL Draft, Hurts is widely regarded as one of the top quarterback prospects and is expected to be a high draft pick. His decision to transfer to Oklahoma was a bold move, but one that has paid off in a big way.
In conclusion, Jalen Hurts’ decision to transfer from the University of Alabama to the University of Oklahoma was driven by several factors, including the opportunity for playing time, the fit with Oklahoma’s offensive system, and the chance to work with head coach Lincoln Riley. Since arriving at Oklahoma, Hurts has been a standout player and has solidified his position as one of the top quarterback prospects in the upcoming NFL
