Hurd happy with summer speed work

[kamoshika]

The 6-foot-4, 240-pound Hurd said he’s feeling stronger and quicker than ever after a summer where he split time working out in Knoxville with Tennessee strength coach Michael Szerszen and on the West Coast with so-called “life, business and football coach” Robert Paulele.

“He’s a pretty good trainer; trains a bunch of NFL guys,” Hurd said when asked about Paulele. “I was mostly just working on explosion, just top-end speed, just working on things that I don’t really get to work on too much around at UT. We do a lot of explosive work, and we run a lot, but it’s just … you try to find different things that you don’t do here and try to implement in that your game when you go away and try to work by yourself.

“I can definitely tell a difference in my speed. I feel like I’ve gotten faster. I feel like my burst has gotten faster. But you really don’t see … I mean, you see it during camp, you see it during the spring, but you really don’t feel it and get in that true moment until you get in a game. And that’s what I’m ready to show.”
Tennessee Vols football's Jalen Hurd happy with summer work on speed increases

 

[Frozevol]

Hurd was obviously aware that he was often a step or so close to breaking some 10 yd gains into 25+. That is the difference between him and Fournette IMO. Hurd looks to run over people. Will be fun to watch to see if the work pans out.

 

[Volador]

Guess since Jalen wasn't in West Palm Beach creating a new Pratt & Whitney Pure Power 1000G with Geared Turbofan, he made good use of his spare time working on his football skills. Looking forward to seeing him burst through the line this Fall.

 

[WillisWG]

and I am ready to see it. . .

 

[PACKERVOL]

Hurd was obviously aware that he was often a step or so close to breaking some 10 yd gains into 25+. That is the difference between him and Fournette IMO. Hurd looks to run over people. Will be fun to watch to see if the work pans out.

You are correct. Hurd would often get to the second level only to be tripped up before before taking one to the house.

 

[Biopsyman]

He is getting ready to get paid

 

[millst987]

I have always thought his problem was with second level burst. He hammered through the line and destroyed the first guy but couldnt pull away after initial separation. Its good to see he's working on it because that is the only flaw in his game.

 

[hndog609]

Hurd was obviously aware that he was often a step or so close to breaking some 10 yd gains into 25+. That is the difference between him and Fournette IMO. Hurd looks to run over people. Will be fun to watch to see if the work pans out.

It's more than just speed. Fournette is faster (sub-10.7 even back in HS) but Hurd even before wasn't exactly a plodder. Sometimes you get a lane and it really is just a matter of being faster. This is Fournette basically making one person miss and from there it's basically just a track meet and Fournette wins.

Fournette takes it 87 yards to the house - ESPN Video

It's more than that though...often the only reason big runs happen are little moves that keep things going. Like here. Note that it's the "niftiness" at the 25 and 11 yard line that allow this to be a 30yd TD and not just a nice gain.

Imgur: The most awesome images on the Internet

Hurd working on his speed can only help but to consistently be a big play RB one has to be able to exploit opportunities to extend runs. Hopefully that's something Jalen's also been improving on in the off season.

 

[Biopsyman]

It's more than just speed. Fournette is faster (sub-10.7 even back in HS) but Hurd even before wasn't exactly a plodder. Sometimes you get a lane and it really is just a matter of being faster. This is Fournette basically making one person miss and from there it's basically just a track meet and Fournette wins.

Fournette takes it 87 yards to the house - ESPN Video

It's more than that though...often the only reason big runs happen are little moves that keep things going. Like here. Note that it's the "niftiness" at the 25 and 11 yard line that allow this to be a 30yd TD and not just a nice gain.

Imgur: The most awesome images on the Internet

Hurd working on his speed can only help but to consistently be a big play RB one has to be able to exploit opportunities to extend runs. Hopefully that's something Jalen's also been improving on in the off season.

They is also a difference in getting the ball in the I vs in a spread. The I allows for more speed at they hit and accelerate through the hole

 

[LA vol7]

Hurd was obviously aware that he was often a step or so close to breaking some 10 yd gains into 25+. That is the difference between him and Fournette IMO. Hurd looks to run over people. Will be fun to watch to see if the work pans out.

That's a great insight. Hurd pounded people, and for now, he didn't seem any worse for the wear, but Fournette had a little more speed and he broke lots of long runs. Hopefully we will see Hurd break a few more of those long ones this year!

 

[LA vol7]

Guess since Jalen wasn't in West Palm Beach creating a new Pratt & Whitney Pure Power 1000G with Geared Turbofan, he made good use of his spare time working on his football skills. Looking forward to seeing him burst through the line this Fall.

Are you saying that Dobbs hasn't worked as hard on football as he should have?

 

[DocVOLiday]

It's more than just speed. Fournette is faster (sub-10.7 even back in HS) but Hurd even before wasn't exactly a plodder. Sometimes you get a lane and it really is just a matter of being faster. This is Fournette basically making one person miss and from there it's basically just a track meet and Fournette wins.

Fournette takes it 87 yards to the house - ESPN Video

It's more than that though...often the only reason big runs happen are little moves that keep things going. Like here. Note that it's the "niftiness" at the 25 and 11 yard line that allow this to be a 30yd TD and not just a nice gain.

Imgur: The most awesome images on the Internet

Hurd working on his speed can only help but to consistently be a big play RB one has to be able to exploit opportunities to extend runs. Hopefully that's something Jalen's also been improving on in the off season.

I do think that Fournette is the better back

However, in that first run, the db could have "easily" taken down Fournette if he dove at his legs early on. He tried to run with Fournette and it was a lost cause.

But that doesn't take away from your point that Fournette is shifty and makes good cuts

 

[VolsFan1972]

I get giddy thinking about the stiff arm Hurd put on that Northwestern defender. If he has as good of a year as I think he might be...scary! I'm starting to believe the hype train...

 

[hndog609]

They is also a difference in getting the ball in the I vs in a spread. The I allows for more speed at they hit and accelerate through the hole

Granted, but what happens after that is still on the RB. Regardless of how you found yourself in the secondary can you extend runs by making people miss in space or simply outrun them? (or both) Guys like Fournette, Chubb and Cook are thoroughly vetted in being able to do so, and consistently. Hurd, to this point, has not.

Of course this season has yet to play out so we'll see what Hurd's hard work in the off season produces during the playing season.

 

[utvolpj]

I get giddy thinking about the stiff arm Hurd put on that Northwestern defender. If he has as good of a year as I think he might be...scary! I'm starting to believe the hype train...

That stiff arm was still about 5yds behind the los

 

[Volinmem]

Why doesn't he get to work on explosion and top end speed much at UT as he stated? We seem to have plenty of equipment to train on whatever is needed. This doesn't sound very good and might be another point used against us in recruiting. It might be true at most schools, but to mention it publicly just seems like a bad idea. JMO

 

[Plano Vol]

Guess since Jalen wasn't in West Palm Beach creating a new Pratt & Whitney Pure Power 1000G with Geared Turbofan, he made good use of his spare time working on his football skills. Looking forward to seeing him burst through the line this Fall.

Good choice of words. Hurd is a burster while by comparison, Kamara is a squirter.

I hope the summer work gives him a step but Hurd is the Punisher. By Q4, the opposing D has had enough of tackling him. That's when the big gains and control of the ball kick in. Add in a more salty OL and whooo-eee!

Can't wait, can't wait, can't wait!!!

 

[hndog609]

Good choice of words. Hurd is a burster while by comparison, Kamara is a squirter.

Woa now...this is a family friendly forum!

 

[swchandler1988]

Why doesn't he get to work on explosion and top end speed much at UT as he stated? We seem to have plenty of equipment to train on whatever is needed. This doesn't sound very good and might be another point used against us in recruiting. It might be true at most schools, but to mention it publicly just seems like a bad idea. JMO

It's not that they don't, but players often seek out coaches like that that are REALLY good at what they do. Think of it like Rocky going out to Cali to train with Apollo and his crew in Rocky III. Micky was pretty good, but sometimes you need a new element

 

[Ned Ray McWorkher]

Hurd got hit in the backfield and at the line FAR too much last season. If he could get some chances to break the line with momentum (as Henry, Chubb & Fournette were allowed to do oftentimes) then he'll have a terrific year. Improved run blocking will help JH as much as his improved top-end speed. Improved pass protection will help the passing game a great deal. It all starts up front. If we get Hurd through the line clean I'm comfortable with his ability to rip through secondaries.

 

[Dreamsicle]

It's not that they don't, but players often seek out coaches like that that are REALLY good at what they do. Think of it like Rocky going out to Cali to train with Apollo and his crew in Rocky III. Micky was pretty good, but sometimes you need a new element

View attachment 115232

But you forget, Mick had died during Rocky's fight with Clubber Lang. Having that heart attack really played with Rocky's mind causing him to lose focus. That and the fact that Rocky had some paper tiger opponents leading up to that fight which were revealed prior to the first fight with Clubber.

 

[swchandler1988]

But you forget, Mick had died during Rocky's fight with Clubber Lang. Having that heart attack really played with Rocky's mind causing him to lose focus. That and the fact that Rocky had some paper tiger opponents leading up to that fight which were revealed prior to the first fight with Clubber.

Gone but not forgotten RIP Mick

 

[FïreBall]

My honest opinion, I would take Hurd pounding his way for 3 to 4 yds every play smashing the defense. That is what Eddie George made a living on. Doesn't bother me at all if he doesn't run those long 50+ yd tds. Hurd can wear down a D, get the tough yards, block and catch the ball. What else can you ask for?

I asked a while back, during one many debates between Hurd and Fournette, (and if you brag on Jalen, certain posters are very quick to throw in Fouenette to counter) What if those RBs swapped teams How would LF have performed behind UTs line and offensive scheme vs JH at LSU?

I love Hurds game.. He gives his All for UT!

GoVols

 

[hndog609]

My honest opinion, I would take Hurd pounding his way for 3 to 4 yds every play smashing the defense. That is what Eddie George made a living on. Doesn't bother me at all if he doesn't run those long 50+ yd tds. Hurd can wear down a D, get the tough yards, block and catch the ball. What else can you ask for?

What's wrong with hoping to get some big play production also? Hurd thinks maybe he can improve in that facet...rather the point of the whole thread, no? I think pretty much every Vol fan would like to see it as well.

I don't believe Hurd will ever be the homerun threat Fournette, Chubb, Cook, McCaffrey, etc are but when you consider that's damn near the only thing missing from Hurd's game any improvement in that area just adds to the whole.

 

[Dreamsicle]

It's why Hurd asked Apollo Creed to train him.