Originally only a report, it’s now been confirmed by Tennessee Volunteers head coach Butch Jones – Jalen Hurd is going to transfer.
Hurd has been a bright spot on a Tennessee team that has been looking for consistency in the middle of a season filled with inconsistencies. Jones has been using a lot of zone read with Hurd since they have a mobile quarterback in Josh Dobbs. Hurd understandably has been upset due to his usage, and wanted to be used in a more traditional fashion.
He doesn’t want to deal with running back usage apparently, as he also made known that he wants to change positions. He would either switch to wide receiver or tight end once he transfers.
Sources: Tennessee running back Jalen Hurd told teammates last night he plans to transfer and play receiver or tight end at his new school
— Jimmy Hyams (@JimmyHyams) October 31, 2016
Hurd has been upset at the way he has been used in Tennessee's zone-read scheme
— Jimmy Hyams (@JimmyHyams) October 31, 2016
As Butch Jones came in, the team had a lot of high expectations. After a 5-0 start, the Volunteers now stand at 5-3, and more questions are being raised about Jones’ coaching prowess. High profile transfers are never a good look for anyone, regardless of the coach. One that is even willing to switch positions so he can feel more comfortable is going to raise even more eyebrows.
To make matters worse, Jonathan Kongbo, one of their sophomore defensive ends, sent out a cryptic tweet on Sunday afternoon, leading many to think he was the next out the door.
All things must come to an end pic.twitter.com/Zd9YuNLNnD
— Jonathan Kongbo (@King_Kongbo) October 30, 2016
It was clarified today during the same Butch Jones press conference that Kongbo’s tweet was about a game of FIFA, not his status as a Division 1 athlete.
Butch Jones said Jonathan Kongbo is still a member of the team. Jones said Kongbo's tweet on Sunday was related to losing in FIFA.
— Josh Ward (@Josh_Ward) October 31, 2016
No one knows what exactly is happening in Knoxville, and it is making for quite the entertaining spectacle…unless you’re a Vol for life, of course.