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3 Spring Practice Questions: Alabama Crimson Tide

By Brooks Carter

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) runs with the ball against the Clemson Tigers in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) runs with the ball against the Clemson Tigers in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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1. Can QB Jalen Hurts take the “next step” as a passer?

Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) looks to pass against the Washington Huskies during the fourth quarter in the 2016 CFP semifinal at the Peach Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) looks to pass against the Washington Huskies during the fourth quarter in the 2016 CFP semifinal at the Peach Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

It seems crazy that a true freshman who won the SEC Offensive Player of the Year (the first in the history of the SEC to do so) would be the recipient of heavy criticism, but that was exactly the case for Hurts down the stretch of the 2016 season.

After a hot start to the year, Hurts became the achilles heel of an offense that sputtered at times on the big stage. In the Tide’s final three games (the SEC Championship vs. Florida, the Peach Bowl vs. Washington, and the National Championship Game vs. Clemson), Hurts went a combined 31-for-65 on pass attempts (.477%), including only completing 13-of-31 in the title game.

Much of Hurts’ struggles were a result of his inconsistencies on intermediate and deep passes, as former OC Lane Kiffin became very reliant on short throws and a variation of screen plays.

Now a rising sophomore, Hurts has already begun to turn heads this spring (putting up insane numbers in the weight room). Will that translate to being an improved passer on the field though? Time will tell.

With new offensive coordinator Mike Daboll in place, his lengthy background as an NFL coach will likely bode well for Hurts. Daboll could have Alabama’s offense looking slightly more traditional than the primary spread-look they took on last year. Plus, Daboll will be the quarterbacks coach, giving Hurts an opportunity to progress as a passer under him in a more pro-style offense.

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