The Tennessee Volunteers take on No. 1 ranked Alabama and will need running back Jalen Hurd to have a big game in order to pull off the upset.
Tennessee’s Jalen Hurd is a big-bodied back who is already seen as a solid NFL prospect. He’s a tough runner who excels at picking up yards after contact. Hurd will need to rely on that toughness as he takes on the physical Alabama defense.
A big-game against Alabama would go a long way in solidifying Hurd as one of the top running backs available in the 2017 NFL Draft.
He has the overall talent and upside to come off the board late in the 1st round. Hurd not only runs with power, but he also has excellent vision. He quickly identifies the open running lane and shoots through the hole.
One underrated part of his game is his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. He has flashed the ability to work out of the slot as run clean routes. Hurd also isn’t afraid to work over the middle in traffic.
His size not only helps him as a runner but also gives him the ability to hold up in pass protection. He has the bulk and strength to anchor after contact and keep pressure out of the quarterback’s face.
Hurd doesn’t get the same type of hype as some of the other top running backs in the country like Nick Chubb, Leonard Fournette and Dalvin Cook. However, he has the talent to develop into the best pro out of that group.