Former Tennessee running back Jalen Hurd will visit Ohio State this weekend, sources told Eleven Warriors.
Hurd left Tennessee with the intent to transfer in October, but as a draft-eligible player, it was rumored he would elect to go pro instead. However, he was not on the NFL's list of draft-eligible underclassmen.
The 6-foot-4, 240-pounder had also mentioned the possibility of playing tight end or wide receiver at his next school of choice, though his future position obviously may depend on the scheme and fit within the offense.
As a recruit, Hurd was the No. 40 player in the country for the Class of 2014 where he was listed as a running back on Rivals.com and as an athlete on 247Sports. After extending an offer in May of 2012, Ohio State was mentioned early and often as a potential landing spot for the No. 2 player in the state of Tennessee.
Hurd listed Ohio State as his favorite early on and was in Columbus for the 2012 showdown against Michigan.
From November of 2012:
Hurd currently lists Ohio State as his favorite, which is good news for Urban Meyer as the Tennessee native is rated as a five-star, eleventh overall, and the top running back in the country by 247 Sports. Hurd seeing the environment on Saturday only helps the Bucks extend their lead over Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, Notre Dame, Tennessee, South Carolina, and many others who have offered.
His recruitment then quickly switched over to the Volunteers' favor as Hurd would go on to attend a Tennessee junior day event in February of 2013 and made his commitment to Butch jones the following March. He arrived in Knoxville as an early enrollee in January of 2014.
During his three seasons as a Volunteer, Hurd accounted for 2,635 yards and 20 touchdowns on 589 carries in 33 games. He also had 67 receptions for 492 yards and six scores. He played in just seven games this past season before electing to leave the program
This weekend's visit to Columbus can certainly be described as a business trip. Hurd and his family have already been through the recruiting process and know what life on a college campus is like.
Urban Meyer and the offensive staff will need to present a plan for how someone with his skill set will be utilized in the new Kevin Wilson-led Buckeye offense.
If Hurd were to enroll at Ohio State, he would likely have to sit out the 2017 season in accordance with NCAA transfer guidelines unless he graduates in the spring or summer, in which case he would be eligible immediately as a graduate transfer.
