Interview: 5-Star 2023 Alabama CB Jahlil Hurley Taking Summer SEC Visits
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
All one has to do is watch the film, do that and it all makes sense. The only football statistic one needs to know about Jahlil Hurley during the 2020 season, no one caught a pass on him. To put the feat of the 6-2, 170-pound, corner in perspective, Hurley plays for the Florence Rams taking on 7A Alabama offenses. No matter how good Hurley may be or how smart offensive coordinators and quarterbacks might be, there are those who will want to test him to prove his five-star recruiting status wrong. It is one thing to win a rep, a quarter, or even a game against an entire offense, Hurley did it for an entire season.
With 16 offers down and college visits on the summer agenda, Hurley stopped by the RNG Clubhouse for a one-on-one update.
Interview
Jahlil, there is no playing around in the 7A Alabama high school football ranks. Considering all the four- and three-star talents the Falcons may face one week to the next, how do you prepare for all of these marquee matchups?
By watching film and doing every rep full speed. Every rep counts. I am watching film 95 percent of the time, then I go over what we wrote down in film and put it to practice on the field.
In the Falcons’ secondary, what coverages do you guys execute?
Me personally, they had me in man the whole time.
What are your favorite coverages to run?
Man is my favorite, but if my coach needs me to play zone, I can do that too.
What types of receivers do you like to take on during a game?
Any size or shape, thin, tall, big, fast, or slow, it does not matter to me.
What do you feel are the overall strengths to your game as a cornerback?
I feel like I am good at man coverage. I play my length and my speed helps me out. That makes it way easier.
This spring, what have you been working on with your technique and fundamentals?
I have been working on getting my hips better. Last season I had a problem staying low, but I have been working on that. I have also been working on getting in and out of my breaks faster. My coaches are teaching me how to read routes off their splits.
Your speed and burst are such a big part of your game. Have you had a chance to run a 40-yard dash this offseason?
No, sir.
What are you doing to increase your speed and agility?
We do a bunch of hamstring workouts and sprints, a lot of sprints. I am focusing on my form and technique to help me with my speed.
When the 2021 season gets going where all will we see you on the field? Will we see you anywhere else besides at corner?
I am playing receiver and punt and kick returner as well.
Are you excited about getting time in at receiver?
Yes, sir. For sure.
This summer, are there any college camps you may attend?
I think I am, but I do not know for sure.
Going into recruiting. Are there any visits you may take once the dead period lifts?
I am for sure going to Alabama, Georgia, LSU and Florida. No one else has hit me up. Anyone else wants me to visit, I will go.
How many offers you have now?
I have 17. There are a couple about to offer. The coaches are not used to recruit me, a lot of these schools have no one assigned to my area.
You are transcending and bringing more opportunity to the other players in the area. I think that is really cool.
Thank you, sir.
Back to recruiting. Which programs were the last couple to offer?
Arkansas, Michigan State, and I was reoffered by Auburn.
Hurley’s Offer Sheet: Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Central Florida, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Kansas, LSU, Miami, Michigan, Michigan State, Mississippi State, Penn State, South Carolina, and Tulsa
Is anyone showing interest but has not offered yet?
Nobody is showing interest. They have all offered.
That’s shocking. When you’ve been able to talk to college coaches, what have they told you they like about your skills?
They tell me they like my tape and how I play; the usual.
Jahlil, it was great getting time in with you today. Wishing you success with your visits this summer until we talk again.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Hurley family; Jahlil Hurley