The Final Cockdown: #81, Hayden Hurst

Hayden Hurst

Sophomore

Tight End

6'4", 250

Jacksonville, FL

Recruitment

Barely recruited out of The Bolles School in Jacksonville, FL, Hurst turned down the opportunity to play baseball at Florida State, and was later drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates. After spending two years in their system, Hurst decided to try and walk-on at Carolina. He was officially granted a scholarship on May 15, 2015.

College Career

In his freshman season last year, Hurst logged playing time in all 12 games, with one start. He hauled in eight passes for 108 yards and a score, while also seeing significant snaps on special teams.

2016 Outlook

Hurst is expected to play a major role in the offense if he earns the starting job over K.C. Crosby. Coach Kurt Roper has made it know that the tight end will be an integral piece of the offense, which could entail some serious usage in the passing game. He has the size of an NFL tight end, and can easily body up smaller linebackers and safeties in jump ball situations. Having an athletic, big, tight end has been something taken for granted the last few seasons.

Potpourri

Hurst ended his brief pro career with a 27.00 ERA, leading some to believe that football was his best option in the world of sports.