Behavior in the Shadows Will Be Revealed in the Spotlight
If you happened to be hiding under a rock this past weekend then you may have missed the incredible story of Jalen Hurts, Alabama’s backup quarterback who replaced an injured Tua Tagovailoa with 11:07 left in the game, trailing Georgia 28–21. However, Jalen was no ordinary backup. He was the team’s starter in 2016 and 2017, amassing a 26–2 record and leading the Crimson Tide to two National Championship football games.
What makes this story special is that after being replaced in the depth chart this off-season, Jalen decided not to transfer. No one would have thought less of him if he had, but he didn’t. He chose to stay and he did so with class; he would not allow his situation to become a distraction to the team.
On Sunday Jalen was asked in an interview on ESPN* why he chose to remain on the team? He shared that he went to his father and asked him, “What do I do?” and his father’s response — We Fight.
“I was raised to compete. To fight to the finish….I think as a backup quarterback this whole year, my whole thing has been to prepare as though I’m a starter. To be ready for when my moment comes and when that phone rings I’ve got be able to answer it.” This, to me, is what makes this story so remarkable. Not that he stayed but, rather, how he stayed; how he continued to work on his craft, to compete, and to get better while in the shadow of Tua.
His deficiencies as a passer have been heavily criticized, and there are those who believe Alabama can’t win a national championship with him under center.
January 2, 2018 News Quote**
Jalen quietly went about his business all season long, making himself better and preparing for his moment, while Alabama’s quarterback controversy publicly raged around him. He could have easily transferred or made this about himself but instead he deflected all the attention and prepared for the moment — when an opportunity would present itself. And it did and he was ready.
With less than a quarter to play he led the team on two straight touchdown drives to give the Crimson Tide the 35–28 lead and their eighth SEC championship. He went 7-for-9 for 82 yards with several clutch passes, including a 10 yard touchdown pass to tie the game and a 19 yard pass to Smith to convert on a key third down to set up the game winning touchdown. As Jalen put it…
“This was me breaking my silence.” ***
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*ESPN, December 2, 2018 College football selection Show
**https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/alabama-football/hurts-not-good-alabama-needs-bounce-back-performance-quarterback/
***https://www.cbs42.com/sports/local-sports/alabama/-feels-like-i-m-breaking-my-silence-jalen-hurts-describes-winning-2018-sec-championship/1633167196
