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The college football world is a lot different than it was just last year.
The new four-game redshirt rule has changed the landscape. Players are transferring.
So, it wouldn’t have surprised many had Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts decided to find a new place to play.
Instead, Hurts – who sports a 26-2 record as a starter – appears to be content as Tua Tagovailoa’s backup in Nick Saban’s offense to the delight of Crimson Tide fans everywhere.
He’s not just doing it for his love of the program, SEC on CBS analyst Gary Danielson told me Wednesday during “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5.
Sure, Hurts has a fondness for the Crimson Tide and the team concept, but there is more, Danielson believes.
“I know he is (sacrificing for the team), but I don’t think he’s just sacrificing himself for Alabama,” Danielson said. “I think he actually believes this will make him a better player in the long run as well.”
Danielson’s point is while many applaud Hurts for staying and competing, the quarterback is getting something out of it, too.
“Jalen has put the team in front of his immediate goals,” Danielson explained. “The hidden story is Jalen Hurts thinks if he transfers to play two years, the place he would go would use Jalen the way he was used previously at Alabama as a running quarterback and no hone his NFL skills.
“What I think Jalen has decided this year is he likes the coaching he’s getting in this new type of offense Alabama has. Dan Enos is doing a great job with him. This Alabama offense is what he wants to be. He wants to be an NFL quarterback. I think he fears if he just transfers somewhere else he’ll just be the quarterback he was at Alabama. He knows how to run the quarterback draw and the bootleg. He wants to be more of an NFL-style quarterback. He’s willing to commit this year – with these athletes – to hone his skills and I think he’ll have more options.”
That’s not to say Danielson has a strong opinion on whether Hurts will transfer after this year.
The explanation is in line, though, with Danielson’s comment over the summer about Hurts “doesn’t really know how to play quarterback.”
Still, Danielson was surprised by the way the quarterback rotation has played out, at least, he was earlier this season.
“They are navigating waters that no one knows how to do,” Danielson said. “This new rule of four games – the unintended consequences – are being dealt with all through college football. All the coaches are flying blind. Players are trying to figure out what to do.”
Danielson cited the Georgia Bulldogs as an example.
Kirby Smart’s team utilized both Jake Fromm and Justin Fields last week in a win over Tennessee. The SEC on CBS analyst believes the Bulldogs are preparing for No. 1 Alabama.
“I think Georgia is going to settle on a two-quarterback system,” he said. “I think the Georgia is getting ready for Alabama. They are getting ready for LSU. I think the way they are looking at this is we are our best when we play both.
“I think Alabama, in a tight game, does not play both. They may go with a change-up with Jalen Hurts, but I think Tua is their best chance. I think when Georgia looks at a game, their best chance is to play both of them.”
And, yes, Georgia doesn’t play Alabama in the regular season. They would meet in the SEC Championship Game.
Mark Heim is a sports reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim.
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