Panthers TE Hayden Hurst on chemistry with Bryce Young, learning another new offense
The Carolina Panthers held Fan Fest on Wednesday, offering Panthers supporters a glimpse of what they will see in the 2023 season. The TV broadcast didn’t show full plays as to not help out future opponents. However, Carolina quarterback Bryce Young is clearly building chemistry with tight end Hayden Hurst.
The sideline reporter at the event asked Hurst about Young and his relationship with the rookie QB after the two connected for a big play during Fan Fest.
“I think me and Bryce are starting to get on the same page. When he sees me in space like that he’s going to give me an opportunity to catch and run and just do what I do,” Hurst said.
Former Ravens first-round pick Hayden Hurst knows what good quarterback play looks like. He has played alongside former MVP Lamar Jackson and current Bengals star Joe Burrow.
Hurst has also played in a different offensive system each year, and he feels good about how he will be used with the Panthers.
Head coach Frank Reich is known for running a tight end-friendly offense, and Hurst believes he can excel in it.
“We’re running all across the field. You can tell I’m sweating all over,” Hurst said. “He preaches it in interviews and meetings all the time. He comes in our room and tell us how important we are to this offense. It just gives us more confidence to go out there and do our thing.”
It hasn’t been easy for Hurst to learn a new offense each year, but he is used to the process now. Learning the system has been a smooth process for the former South Carolina Gamecocks star this year.
“This is my sixth training camp, the sixth offense I’ve had to re-learn. I’ve done it every single year,” Hurst said. “I kind of have it down to a science now. The first week there’s some growing pains with it. But as you can see now, I’m playing faster and it just allows me to be myself.”
Hurst has been a weapon at the tight end position since coming into the league. For his career, he has caught 177 passes for 1,718 yards and 14 touchdowns.
The Florida native had his best year 2020, catching 56 passes for 571 yards and six touchdowns. He had an excellent season once again in Cincinnati last year, finishing with 52 catches for 414 yards and two scores. Hurst is now looking to thrive back in the Carolinas, close to where he played his college football.