Jalen Hurts serves many roles as Alabama's quarterback, not least of which are playmaker and leader of the Crimson Tide offense.
Go ahead and add paradox to that list.
Hurts has rightfully earned adulation for his play this season, especially considering his status as a true freshman. But it’s important to remember that Hurts is, in fact, still a true freshman. And he has played like one at times this season.
Consider his performance against Mississippi State Saturday, a day on which No. 1 Alabama won handily, 51-3. On one hand, Hurts tied a school record by scoring five touchdowns against the Bulldogs.