Jalen Hurd, former Tennessee football star, signs with New England Patriots
Jalen Hurd, a star Tennessee football running back from 2014 to 2016, signed a free agent deal with the New England Patriots, the team announced Tuesday. Full terms of the contract were not revealed.
Hurd was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round (overall pick No. 67) of the 2019 NFL Draft, but he has not played in a regular-season game while dealing with multiple injuries, including a torn ACL.
Hurd made his NFL debut on Aug. 12 in a preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys. He had three receptions for 31 yards and scored two touchdowns in a 17-9 victory. However, his season was cut short because of a back injury, and he was put on injured reserve.
He tore his ACL during training camp in 2020. The 49ers released Hurd on Nov. 11, 2021.
More: San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jalen Hurd makes impressive NFL debut with 2 TDs
Hurd starred at Beech High School in Hendersonville and set the TSSAA single-season rushing record that still stands with 3,357 yards in 2012, helping the Bucs win the Class 5A championship.
Hurd left the Vols during his third season, and he ranks sixth all-time in rushing yards with 2,638. He also scored 20 touchdowns.
He transferred to Baylor and transitioned to wide receiver. He sat out for most of the 2017 season because of NCAA transfer rules, but made enough of an impression to be drafted by the 49ers in 2019.
Reach sports writer Jerry Jiang at JJiang@gannett.com or on Twitter @j_jiang30
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Jalen Hurd, Tennessee football star, signs with New England Patriots
