6’2” – 225 lbs.
Originally attended Alabama, taking over the starting quarterback role in the second week of his true freshman season; thus became first true freshman to start at quarterback for the school since 1984. Finished that year with 2,780 yards (62.8%), 23 touchdowns, and nine interceptions, as well as 191-954-13 (5.0) on the ground. Reprised the starting role the following year, throwing for 2,081 yards (60.6%), 17 touchdowns, and one interception, and rushing 154-855-8 (5.6). Spent the following season backing up Tua Tagovailoa, then transferred to Oklahoma this past year and threw for 3,851 yards (69.7%), 32 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, also rushing for a monstrous 233-1,298-20 (6.5) line. Weight-room beast with a very thick/strong build, as well as adequate height. Oklahoma’s offense this past season still featured spread looks, but was much more run-based than in years past, with Hurts executing plenty of option concepts. As a runner, can take some time to get up to speed, but is a good decision-maker with the ability to locate open lanes, make defenders miss, lower his shoulder, and barrel ahead for additional yardage after contact; ended up taking quite a beating for a quarterback. Many of his rushing attempts came on options, but is also a frequent scrambler who can take advantage of the opportunities opposing defenses provide for him. Plays a relaxed brand of football when passing. Footwork on his dropbacks looks pretty clean, although you’d like to see him make his drops with more of a sense of urgency. Release is high but also on the slower side. Arm talent overall is just adequate. Doesn’t get a ton of velocity on his passes or rifle many throws into tight coverage; instead, his bread and butter is his ability to throw a catchable ball with appropriate touch to all levels of the field. Completion percentage was padded a little bit by the high amount of shorter, rhythm-based passes he attempted, namely a high rate of screens, swing passes, hitches, and other throws of that nature, but executes those throws pretty well. Also has the ability to drop throws in the bucket further downfield, with solid placement and a good amount of air underneath his passes. Can dribble passes when he doesn’t transfer weight effectively. As might be expected, does a good job of extending the play against pressure, breaking containment and resetting his feet. However, it would be nice to see him go through his progressions more quickly and show a little bit more commitment to staying in the pocket and delivering. Put together one of the most productive seasons by a quarterback in recent memory, but might not come off the board until the third day, as his overall arm talent is just average and elements of his game ranging from his footwork on dropbacks, his release, and his ability to go through progressions seem a little bit slower than you’d like.
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