While visiting UT, the ESPN Watch List tailback was doted on by first-year head coach Butch Jones. It was a much different experience than he had with former UT coach Derek Dooley. The relationship between Hurd and the Vols has changed dramatically since Tennessee's coaching change following the 2012 season.
"It's a 100 times better than it was," the 6-foot-3, 195-pound tailback from Hendersonville (Tenn.) Beech said. "The previous staff, I didn't really have much of a relationship with. This staff has shown me a lot of love. I really appreciate that."
Hurd said he would like to see the Volunteers improve this fall. After three straight losing seasons, he's not so worried about wins and losses, just improvement.
Hurd admits he grew up a Tennessee fan. He remembers cheering for former Tennessee tailback Montario Hardesty, who now plays for the Cleveland Browns.
"Tennessee wants to keep me at tailback," Hurd said. "They like the way I run the ball. They said they have no reason why I can't play tailback."
