Does Jalen Hurd Seem a Bit Too Tall For a Tailback?

[BeecherVol]

ESPN has him listed at 6-4. I'm trying to think of an elite tailback who was that tall and I'm drawing a blank. I'm not saying that an elite 6-4 tailback is outside the realm of possibility, but I definitely think there's a reason the average height of running backs in the NFL is 5-9; namely, a lower center of gravity allows for quicker changes in direction, which is something running backs have to do.

The tallest elite running back I can come up with is Eric Dickerson, who is 6-3. So it isn't impossible, but he's definitely the exception. And he was also just a uniquely talented player.

Am I overthinking this? Is Hurd definitely going to be a stud?

Trying a different pond I see.

 

[govols/cc]

FYI, Hurd played at Beech which is 5A.

It's still Tennessee high school football

 

[utvols95]

Tennessee 3A is not quite the SEC.

5A. And Beech plays a lot of 6A teams.

 

[mgu7]

and 5'9" Wes Welker seem a bit too short for a NFL WR

 

[RoaminVol]

How tall was Hershall?

 

[fade route]

I can almost garauntee that Hurd is not 6'4". Let an NFL scout measure him combine style....probably 6'1", 6'2" at the most.

 

[KBVol]

Jim Brown, the best running back that I have seen in 46 years of watching this great sport, was 6-2, 228 lbs.

Please copy and paste this verifiable, factual common sense post into the other dozen or so existing threads/discussions of Hurd's size kind sir. Additionally, do the same for the score or so threads regarding Jalen's size that are surely yet to come.

 

[TeddyYeti]

Marcus Dupree 6'3" 230 pounds.
OU Football Marcus Dupree - YouTube

 

[utvols95]

I can almost garauntee that Hurd is not 6'4". Let an NFL scout measure him combine style....probably 6'1", 6'2" at the most.

I think he's 6' 3.75" exactly.

 

[Lexvol]

Stephen Jackson also comes to mind. That cat glides.

 

[beneVOLence]

Here we go again. Dudes a beast. There are a few reasons why he would be moved to a different position and none if them are because of his current size.
1. Just not good enough of a RB. Basically gets beat out by another RB. I truly doubt that will be the case.

2. He continues to get taller. Say he grows to 6 ft 6 inches. I could see him being moved.

3. He gets into the weight room and gets to 265-270lb range.

4. Possibly gets injured to the point that it limits his ability to be a RB anymore.

I believe with him being an EE, he will be our starting RB next year. No offense to Lane, but it will probably be a RB by commitee anyway. I actually wish Lane would get more carries than Neal this year.

 

[3Tennessee]

Sorry I am at work on break, but had to throw my 2 cents in! I don't have the time to research it, but the last big back I remember coming through the sec was Darren McFadden. He was a beast! I'd like to see Hurd turn out as good or better than he was. GO VOLS!!!!!!!
Hope we can keep him and about 95% of the rest of 2014 recruiting class! Not to mention, get them in here early (If possible).

 

[YorkVol]

ESPN has him listed at 6-4. I'm trying to think of an elite tailback who was that tall and I'm drawing a blank. I'm not saying that an elite 6-4 tailback is outside the realm of possibility, but I definitely think there's a reason the average height of running backs in the NFL is 5-9; namely, a lower center of gravity allows for quicker changes in direction, which is something running backs have to do.

The tallest elite running back I can come up with is Eric Dickerson, who is 6-3. So it isn't impossible, but he's definitely the exception. And he was also just a uniquely talented player.

Am I overthinking this? Is Hurd definitely going to be a stud?

Jim Brown and OJ Simpson are both tall, not 6'4" but still they did alright.

 

[vosams]

He will be the best back UT has had in 8 to 10 years. I would have guessed the average height of NFL running backs would be around 6 ft.

Like Bryce Brown? 😂

 

[cd12]

Stephen Jackson also comes to mind. That cat glides.

glided...

 

[KingtUT]

ESPN has him listed at 6-4. I'm trying to think of an elite tailback who was that tall and I'm drawing a blank. I'm not saying that an elite 6-4 tailback is outside the realm of possibility, but I definitely think there's a reason the average height of running backs in the NFL is 5-9; namely, a lower center of gravity allows for quicker changes in direction, which is something running backs have to do.

The tallest elite running back I can come up with is Eric Dickerson, who is 6-3. So it isn't impossible, but he's definitely the exception. And he was also just a uniquely talented player.

Am I overthinking this? Is Hurd definitely going to be a stud?

You are correct in your thinking. Tall RB's are few and far between. Yes, you can name a couple of people that have succeeded despite being tall but an overwhelming majority of people that tall dont make very good rb's. We just have to hope he's basically a one of a kind back. We shall see.

 

[DERELICK_MY_VOLS]

Tennessee 3A is not quite the SEC.

YOU DOUBT HURD????

I SAID....

 

[btate]

I remember the last 3 years of Jeff George career it was 2 to 2.5 yards and a cloud of dust. I know he was good in college but did they play good competition? Seems there more to get ahold of by being big. I would think wide receiver might be his best role. What do I know!!!!

 

[soda23]

Stephen Jackson also comes to mind. That cat glides.

That cat glides to the IR

 

[fade route]

I think he's 6' 3.75" exactly.

According to who? HS recruits measurables are always jacked up to boost their profile in hopes of getting more or additional offers because measurables are so central to the game.

 

[Lexvol]

glided...

I haven't watched the Rams since LA….cut me some slack.

 

[beneVOLence]

I remember the last 3 years of Jeff George career it was 2 to 2.5 yards and a cloud of dust. I know he was good in college but did they play good competition? Seems there more to get ahold of by being big. I would think wide receiver might be his best role. What do I know!!!!

I assume you mean Eddie George because Jeff George was a QB.

 

[Lexvol]

I assume you mean Eddie George because Jeff George was a QB.

QB…and all around nice guy.

 

[utvols95]

According to who? HS recruits measurables are always jacked up to boost their profile in hopes of getting more or additional offers because measurables are so central to the game.

I went to Beech and I heard that was his official measurement by the team before last season. I don't think he's gotten taller since then.

 

[KBVol]

You are correct in your thinking. Tall RB's are few and far between. Yes, you can name a couple of people that have succeeded despite being tall but an overwhelming majority of people that tall dont make very good rb's. We just have to hope he's basically a one of a kind back. We shall see.

Eric Dickerson, Jim Brown, OJ Simpson, OJ Anderson, Adrian Peterson, John Riggins, Marcus Allen, George Rodgers, Chuck Muncie, Franco Harris, Stephen Jackson, Eddie George, to name a few off the top of my head... all 6'2" or taller (except for Peterson who's a smallish 6'1") all great running backs.....