With The First Pick
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Tennessee’s Jalen Hurd taking a risk by transferring

By Jon Dove

Sep 24, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Jalen Hurd (1) catches a pass for a touchdown against the Florida Gators during the second quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Jalen Hurd (1) catches a pass for a touchdown against the Florida Gators during the second quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tennessee running back Jalen Hurd has informed the team that he’s decided to transfer. This decision not only impacts the team, but also hurts Hurd’s NFL prospects.

Jalen Hurd entered this season coming off a very strong year and looking to build on that momentum. He flashed enough promise for me to have him rated as a 2nd-round prospect and one of the better running backs in the country.

Hurd is a big-bodied running back who excels at picking up yards after contact. He also showed the vision needed to quickly locate open running lanes. His north-south running style helped him avoid tackles for loss.

He also did a great job contributing as a pass-catcher working out of the backfield. Hurd features strong hands and the ability to pluck the ball away from his frame.

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The rumor is that Hurd plans on using his hands more at  his next school where he’ll look to play wide receiver or tight end. It’s tough to see the logic behind Hurd’s decision as he already established himself as a solid running back prospect.

Hurd will now need to sit out a year, go through a position change and likely answer some questions about his decision to transfer. The situation doesn’t paint Hurd in a great light as a mid-season transfer for a starting player is rare.

Of course, this story is far from over and it’s possible that Hurd decides to enter the 2017 NFL draft rather than transfer to a new school. His draft stock will absolutely take a hit, but things like the combine and private workouts could help him build some positive momentum.

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