Tennessee head coach Butch Jones announced last week that running back Jalen Hurd would be transferring from the University of Tennessee. Hurd had remained silent on his decision to leave the Vols the following week, but he issued a statement late Sunday night, November 6th via Twitter.
— Jalen Hurd (@MrHurd_1) November 7, 2016
In Hurd’s message, he specifies that he intends to transfer and not declare early for the NFL draft. Hurd doesn’t clarify which school or schools he is considering, just that he intends to transfer. Hurd also thanks the University of Tennessee, coaches, and Vol fans for their support.
Hurd states in his tweet that he “understood that the media would create multiple storylines as to why I made the decision” and he wants to inform everyone “the truth.” Hurd claims his decision to transfer was “completely my decision” and said he had thought about it for “quite some time.” He went on to say he didn’t want anyone to question his character, stating “I have always tried my best to be respectful of my coaches and considerate of the Vol community throughout my career.”
Another part of Hurd’s tweet addressed the reports and rumors of his various injuries this season. Hurd says he suffered multiple injuries during his Tennessee career that “were not and should not have been disclosed including a concussion that sidelined me for the A&M game.”
Hurd later says he understood the read option offense the Vols run “may not be the best fit for me” when he came to Tennessee in the first place, but he states he “put that aside” for his love of Tennessee. He goes on to say he wished for scheme adjustments to suit his strengths, but those adjustments “did not happen on a consistent enough basis.” He confirms that had a bearing on his decision to transfer, claiming he wants to be in an offense that highlights his skills both as a runner and a pass catcher.
Jalen Hurd finishes his career at Tennessee with 2,638 rushing yards, placing him sixth all-time at Tennessee. He finished 441 yards away from breaking the Vols all-time rushing record.
