🏈 Alabama QB Jalen Hurts sounds off on transfer speculation, QB competition

[TerryP]

Saban didn’t say anything wrong all he said was he didn’t know if Jalen was going to be here, but he assumed so

A key word here that I believe goes to a bigger picture. One, Saban said "I expect," not "assume." I bring that up to point to this...

The questions about Jalen and Tua, while both would have been expected and should have been expected, still fall into one category--a hypothetical question to a man who doesn't like hypothetical questions. And that's setting aside the fact he'd already answered how it was going to play out.

Could he have phrased his answer differently? Sure. Is there any reason why one would expect him to do so? Definitely not.

Dang, more than a few comments in here turning on Jalen. For 6 months this “kid” has had this hanging over his head. I’m sure he has been thinking about his situation every single day and probably reading about it from all of the armchair quarterbacks sharing their opinions. I’m more than willing to give him a pass on his recent “outburst”. This guy has literally been the epitome of a team player and a great ambassador for the university. He has done a ton to promote Alabama in a positive way.

This is true, up until this week.

However, I'm not one to simply give him a pass due to what he's done in the past. It the very way he's acted in the past that changes this story. He knew better. He chose to voice his opinion(s) this way. Better said, he chose to voice his "feelings" this way.

I see a huge difference in the conversations about which quarterback should be starting versus this conversation. I had issues, and still do, with how his play has been critiqued--often unrealistically. I too have felt he was getting "bashed."

But, this is on the opposite end of the spectrum here he knew how he was supposed to address the media. It's a staple in the program--team over "I." He's proven he understood. It's also proven he ignored what he knew--public comments reflect on his teammates. What he demonstrated was a lack of mental toughness--a staple of what Saban wants out of all the Bama players. He didn't push through the difficulty. He went with "no one asked me about my feelings." Crying in baseball and whining in football...

Look. There are a lot of moving parts to this story. One, we have Matt Hayes who conducted the original interview with Hurts father. Like the history you point to with Jalen there's a history to point to with Matt Hayes. I've no doubt Averion was led into those answers--it's been Matt's MO for years. On the same note that applies to Jalen in this last interview. If you listen to it you can see reporters doing their job--they did lead him into this area of questioning. I believe both can't be taken at simply face value.

BUT, when we enter his mother and her recent posts on Facebook? That goes to show what's been going on within the Hurts household. It's not something that just arbitrarily came up.

Again, strictly personal opinion here, but on his mother...

Anytime you see anyone use the phrase "your truth" that should be a red flag (not only waving, but with musical accompaniment.)

"You have to compete and win the starting job. How does that make you feel? Are you feeling okay now that you have to compete to keep your job? Are you okay?"

Geez. Really?

 

[TUSKtimes]

All in all I don't think Saban is wrong for not telling Jalen he's unlikely to beat out Tua. Saban wants to keep both on campus, and IMO actually use both in games. But I also don't think Jalen is wrong for being disappointed that he isn't being told where he really stands... There is a crossroads here about a coach doing what he thinks is best for the team and the player thinking he's being mislead. Both can be true... And are IMO

Where does he stand? What I took from Jalen's earlier statement in June was that he was coming back to get his degree, regardless of who starts. So when Jalen talks about the coaches not controlling the narrative the one thing I hope he isn't saying is I'll be here but I'm not going to like it.

 

[TerryP]

All in all I don't think Saban is wrong for not telling Jalen he's unlikely to beat out Tua. Saban wants to keep both on campus, and IMO actually use both in games. But I also don't think Jalen is wrong for being disappointed that he isn't being told where he really stands... There is a crossroads here about a coach doing what he thinks is best for the team and the player thinking he's being mislead. Both can be true... And are IMO

Where does he stand? What I took from Jalen's earlier statement in June was that he was coming back to get his degree, regardless of who starts. So when Jalen talks about the coaches not controlling the narrative the one thing I hope he isn't saying is I'll be here but I'm not going to like it.

How does the Jalen hype video fit in this whole "narrative?"

Let's not forget, posted but not a lot of 'discussion' about his latest video on Twitter.

Another 'elephant in the room' since that's an adjective used in this 'narrative.'

Jalen is a brand. His first name alone carries national attention. Tua is a brand. His first name alone carries national attention. Tua has a bigger brand.

 

[TerryP]

By the way, I've seen it mentioned that his mother posted about a plan already being in action. It was on a *Jalen fans* based Facebook page.

It's up to each and his own to decide when this plan was originally discussed. When it was put into action is another question that begs an answer. Was step one, "let's air our grievances to the media to shape our story, our truth, our brand?" Is this the first affirmable action?

 

[BamaFan334]

By the way, I've seen it mentioned that his mother posted about a plan already being in action. It was on a *Jalen fans* based Facebook page.

It's up to each and his own to decide when this plan was originally discussed. When it was put into action is another question that begs an answer. Was step one, "let's air our grievances to the media to shape our story, our truth, our brand?" Is this the first affirmable action?

I wonder if they (The Hurts') were this sympathetic to The Barnett's?

 

[Tidestalker]

I'm talking about a REAL conversation.... What does a real conversation mean?

"Jalen, buddy, you will be competing for the job with a guy who's far ahead of you as an all around QB. You will have to drastically improve your ability to pass the ball to beat him out".

Isn't that the truth? The old company line "you'll have to compete for the job" could be said to any walk on in the country. Nothing personal about that.

What you've done here is essentially make a statement based on how you think these conversations go without having been there or having had one personally. I haven't either. But, I do know speculation when I see it and this is a prime example.

Let's not forget we've documented proof Saban has had conversations like with quarterbacks on past teams. Some didn't like it and quit. Some didn't like it but buckled down and set out to prove themselves.

Saban not only had a conversation with Jalen and Tua, but also had a conversation--the same conversation--about Jalen with his father. So now we're looking at two conversations that weren't "real" conversations? That fact is there have been more than two conversations; a third being found just after "Tua day" in Hawaii when both were told what you're doing off the field matters as well.

The narrative (-$1 to Jalen using a catch phrase) is as wrong here as it is when he was saying "he's been muzzled."

That's fair. You're right, maybe Saban has had those "real" conversations. My opinion is based on Jalen's reaction and words. Which based on his history, I have no reason to believe otherwise.

IMO his reactions are that of a QB who's never taken a backup rep since the USC game... And when the reality hit, on fan day, took it personally because he really believed he would get the benefit of the doubt. Why he believes that after the way last season ended could only be two things IMO Either his head is in the sand or the staff hasn't told him the truth.

But according to Jalen it's been the elephant in the room for a long time and the staff hasn't been bold enough to address it. So either he's lying or his head is in the sand. His dad's certainly is/was.

 

[Tidestalker]

On another note - Did anyone else find Saban's diatribe about playing 2 QB's a bit ironic?

He went off on the media about how "they" think playing 2 QB's isn't a good idea and even asked them to explain why it can't work. It's a shame no one had the cojones to ask him why he didn't implement that last season.

It seems pretty clear he would be happy to play both but it looks like Jalen may be foiling that situation.

 

[UAgrad93]

Dang, more than a few comments in here turning on Jalen. For 6 months this “kid” has had this hanging over his head. I’m sure he has been thinking about his situation every single day and probably reading about it from all of the armchair quarterbacks sharing their opinions. I’m more than willing to give him a pass on his recent “outburst”. This guy has literally been the epitome of a team player and a great ambassador for the university. He has done a ton to promote Alabama in a positive way.

I've never bashed this kid or any other that has put on the Crimson jersey. I have probably bent over backwards to defend him. I have critiqued his play at times though. Bailing too early and not allowing the play to develop or reading the progression is stating fact and not being critical. I have seen some comments on here but A LOT more over on the SECrant that I would call bashing.
I can recall listening to people bashing Gary Hollingsworth during my sophomore year. Even though they had never taken a snap, they still thought they knew more. It goes with the territory.

I'm talking about a REAL conversation.... What does a real conversation mean?

"Jalen, buddy, you will be competing for the job with a guy who's far ahead of you as an all around QB. You will have to drastically improve your ability to pass the ball to beat him out".

Isn't that the truth? The old company line "you'll have to compete for the job" could be said to any walk on in the country. Nothing personal about that.

What you've done here is essentially make a statement based on how you think these conversations go without having been there or having had one personally. I haven't either. But, I do know speculation when I see it and this is a prime example.

Let's not forget we've documented proof Saban has had conversations like with quarterbacks on past teams. Some didn't like it and quit. Some didn't like it but buckled down and set out to prove themselves.

Saban not only had a conversation with Jalen and Tua, but also had a conversation--the same conversation--about Jalen with his father. So now we're looking at two conversations that weren't "real" conversations? That fact is there have been more than two conversations; a third being found just after "Tua day" in Hawaii when both were told what you're doing off the field matters as well.

The narrative (-$1 to Jalen using a catch phrase) is as wrong here as it is when he was saying "he's been muzzled."

That's fair. You're right, maybe Saban has had those "real" conversations. My opinion is based on Jalen's reaction and words. Which based on his history, I have no reason to believe otherwise.

IMO his reactions are that of a QB who's never taken a backup rep since the USC game... And when the reality hit, on fan day, took it personally because he really believed he would get the benefit of the doubt. Why he believes that after the way last season ended could only be two things IMO Either his head is in the sand or the staff hasn't told him the truth.

But according to Jalen it's been the elephant in the room for a long time and the staff hasn't been bold enough to address it. So either he's lying or his head is in the sand. His dad's certainly is/was.

Honestly, I think he buried his head in the sand and felt that he would get the benefit of the doubt since Tua wasn't able to be a full participant during the Spring. CNS is too meticulous of a coach to not have met with him and Tua and let them know where each stood.

 

[JoseyWalesTheOutlaw]

I will be surprised if #2 is still in Title-Town come Friday. Unless Nick is going to meet with every 2nd team player on the roster to update them on how they can take the starting position then The Hurt's family is owed nothing. I expect Nick to take one shot at this at his next PC and he will state everybody on the roster has a chance to win the starting spots. The best will get to play minutes whether that is starting or not.

 

[TerryP]

But according to Jalen it's been the elephant in the room for a long time and the staff hasn't been bold enough to address it. So either he's lying or his head is in the sand. His dad's certainly is/was

How is this any different than the right tackle position, fans wanting to see two new guys there, and here's a guy that's been starting for two years.

 

[TerryP]

The best will get to play minutes whether that is starting or not.

If I can't trust you with the media, can I trust you in the huddle? That's a question above my pay grade.

 

[JoseyWalesTheOutlaw]

The best will get to play minutes whether that is starting or not.

If I can't trust you with the media, can I trust you in the huddle? That's a question above my pay grade.

“People who are in it for their own good are individualists. They don’t share the same heartbeat that makes a team so great. A great unit, whether it be football or any organization, shares the same heartbeat.” Coach Bryant

 

[JoseyWalesTheOutlaw]

But according to Jalen it's been the elephant in the room for a long time and the staff hasn't been bold enough to address it. So either he's lying or his head is in the sand. His dad's certainly is/was

How is this any different than the right tackle position, fans wanting to see two new guys there, and here's a guy that's been starting for two years.

Maybe Cecil Hurt can ask Najee Harris how the meeting went with Nick when he was told he would still be the 2nd back off the bench.....or bring in Womack's father to give us his take on how his son is 2nd team today after starting in the NC game......can you feel me. The entire Hurt's family must believe their son's deal is much more important than any of the other positions.

 

['65 Cobra]

It's really not that complicated, but people get so easily self-inflated these days. When Jalen first came here, he beat out an incumbent QB in BB. He beat him out fair and square. He was the better option primarily because he wasn't going to lose games by making too many mistakes and he won over the team. Blake Barnett didn't win the job. Saban, to my knowledge, doesn't promise players a starting position. In fact, he makes it pretty clear that you have to compete... every year... and the best player gets the job. Now Jalen is facing what Barnett faced - competition.

Jalen compiles a very impressive W/L record, but as opposing teams see more and more tape, his weaknesses become more apparent - limited field vision, lack of touch, reluctant to throw the tough passes, tends to hold on to the ball too long and takes ill-advised sacks often. These characteristics will limit turnovers, but against better teams, it also limits the offense - substantially.

At the beginning of last year Tua wasn't ready. He is now. It's a competition. Tua has his own negatives, but it's a competition. Just as when Blake Barnett lost, this is a competition. It's not personal. It's not racial. It's not judgmental. It's not about loyalty. It's not about the media or the fans. It's a competition. It's the guy that wins over the team and has the best collective set of tools to win the most games, including those against the highest competition.

Man up and compete. May the better player win.

 

[Tidestalker]

But according to Jalen it's been the elephant in the room for a long time and the staff hasn't been bold enough to address it. So either he's lying or his head is in the sand. His dad's certainly is/was

How is this any different than the right tackle position, fans wanting to see two new guys there, and here's a guy that's been starting for two years.

Anyone who thinks all players are treated the same has either never coached or really stunk at it. If you don't know the difference between the QB position at Alabama and the right tackle then YOUR head is in the sand :dance:

But for real, is the media lining up to interview Matt Womack and willing to put any sound bit on the front page of ESPN? It's not the same. Whether you or anyone else believes it, not all players/positions/people are treated the same in any program. For obvious reasons. (I'd love to see Saban coach the kickers the way he coaches DB's though).

So if Saban is treating this the same way he's treating the OL battle, then he has no one to blame but himself for any media distractions. FTR as long as it's minimized and Tua is given the majority of the reigns vs Louisville, it's all good in my book.

 

[Tidestalker]

But according to Jalen it's been the elephant in the room for a long time and the staff hasn't been bold enough to address it. So either he's lying or his head is in the sand. His dad's certainly is/was

How is this any different than the right tackle position, fans wanting to see two new guys there, and here's a guy that's been starting for two years.

Maybe Cecil Hurt can ask Najee Harris who the meeting went with Nick when he was told he would still be the 2nd back off the bench.....or bring in Womack's father to give us his take on how his son is 2nd team today after starting in the NC game......can you feel me. The entire Hurt's family must believe their son's deal is much more important than any of the other positions.

It is, dude. We're talking about the QB at Alabama... Most high profile position in college sports.

 

[Tidestalker]

Stephen A. :

 

[utstnx]

Last I checked Saban has never promised anyone a "Guaranteed role" on the team. You have to compete at the University of Alabama. It sucks if someone out preforms you and takes your spot.....But that is all Saban promises. He doesn't promise a starting job. He promises an education and real chance to play....Both of which Jalen is getting. He had earned the starting job and then sounds like he lost it. But to say "nobody came and talked to me.....' Bro you been here. You know the deal. No one is gonna cater to you or baby you. He treated you like a man, Like an NFL player. The NFL coach doesn't call you in and say ..."buddy...if you don't start improving you are gonna loose your spot." You just preform and pray every time you open your locker there isn't a pink slip in there. And will all seriousness........Tua could very easily get hurt and Jalen is the man. Tua broke his thumb twice in the off season. Jalen is only one play away. If Tua stays healthy Jalen will get 4 games......Grad in Dec and have 2 years to play immediately. Man up.....take your licks like a man. You will have a 4 year degree, 2 years of job experience and will be able to go and do whatever you want. But don't act like anyone did you wrong. He just got comfortable in the lime light. Got embarrassed in the Nat champ game.... and now has been surpassed.

 

[planomateo]

It seems that Saban's comment at SEC Media Days created some clutter and appears to have created some unnecessary churn.

Some of the comments in this thread leave me shaking my head...

 

[UAgrad93]

It seems that Saban's comment at SEC Media Days created some clutter and appears to have created some unnecessary churn.

Some of the comments in this thread leave me shaking my head...

As fans, we probably understand CNS a little more than what the media does. Honest!! We know when he gives vague answers that the subject is something he would really rather not discuss. He likes knowns and facts. Don't give him a question about "whether you think Hurts will be on the roster or not?" My answer would likely be the same. I don't know. I hope so. He could get hit by a bus tomorrow!! Who knows?" I imagine he likely hoped that Cowan was going to be on the opening roster as well before he screwed up for the last time. Don't make Saban speculate!!