Five things you need to know about Jalen Hurd

The sophomore running back might be Tennessee’s best offensive player besides Joshua Dobbs. Here are five things you need to know about him before tonight’s matchup.

Hurd is going to be a stud for Tennessee

Tennessee has never been known for their running game. However, Jalen Hurd is going to change all of that. Tennessee has never been good at getting in-state guys, but the commitment of the 5-star running back from Hendersonville was a huge get for the Volunteers. As a true freshman, Hurd averaged 69.2 yards per game and 4.7 per carry. Now in his second year and only half way through the season, Hurd averages 94.9 yards per game and 4.7 per carry. Hurd has rushed for over 100 yards in seven games and scored four touchdowns against Florida in September. Matt Elam and Kentucky’s defensive line better be ready tonight.

Hurd gained 20 pounds between his freshman and sophomore season

Hurd went from 220 to 240 this offseason that has helped him become durable and explosive runner. Hurd’s weight gain has helped him produce bigger numbers this season. Hurd’s bigger body has made him into one of the best backs in the SEC this season (but still behind Fournette and Henry).

Hurd is a collector of crazy socks 

Besides football, Hurd was all about perfecting his sock collection, which he called “sock swag”. In high school his favorite pair were pink with polkadots.

“They were in the girls’ section at Target. I had to sneak in there, looking over my shoulder. The lady checking me out asked, ‘You’re really buying those?’ I said I was buying them for my sister,” said Hurd, who is an only child. I can’t really wear them out on the field – they slip on my feet in my cleats. So I just wear them around.”

https://instagram.com/p/dzu7QrGdF_/?taken-by=jayhurd1

Hurd wears his hair in a bun

I’ve seen some interesting hairstyles in football, but I think Hurd takes the prize for the weirdest. Going through pictures of Hurd, I noticed that he likes to wear his hair in a bun on the top of his head like a girl. Sorry Jalen, but we all know Patrick Towles has the best hair in the SEC.

Hurd had the worst prom outfit I’ve ever seen

I have seen some bad prom dresses and suits before, but this combination takes the cake. The scary thing about this is that his date went along with it. How can anyone think that orange looks good? The picture hurts my eyes.

 

Beat the Vols.