For Jahlil Hurley, fall camp has been an opportunity to grow and learn the system while settling into the cornerback competition. The former On3 consensus four-star recruit, who transferred from Alabama, says the experience so far has been positive.
“It’s been going pretty good,” Hurley said. “Just getting better, competing with my teammates, learning the playbook, learning checks. Just getting better as a whole.”
One of Hurley’s main focal points has been understanding the defense. He knows that is an important piece to get on the field.
“Pad level, learning the playbook, obviously,” he said. “Learning the ins and outs of the playbook, knowing more than my position and also knowing my teammates. Knowing them as well because that also plays a big part into playing on the field together.”
The process of settling in has extended beyond training camp on the field. Hurley says team bonding activities have helped him build relationships quickly. He said the defensive backs are a close unit.
“It’s been pretty good. Just hanging outside of football,” Hurley said. “Obviously we have a lot of stuff around the facility that we do together, but we spend time outside of the facility together, so that’s brought us closer together. We just went to KC two days ago, so I felt really good about that. I got to hang out with a couple of teammates I’ve never hung out with.”
On choosing the Jayhawks
Hurley’s move to Kansas was not something he initially thought would happen, but he says it was guided by faith.
“Honestly, it was all God,” Hurley said. “I didn’t know where I wanted to go. Honestly, after I hit the portal, I didn’t know. So, I just left it all to God and he led me to Kansas. I just trusted in that, and I’m just trusting in it, honestly.”
The decision meant joining former Alabama teammate Emmanuel Henderson in Lawrence. While his initial goal was to remain in the SEC, Hurley said the opportunities there were limited.
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“I hit the portal, and talked to a couple teams,” he said. “My dream was to stay in SEC, but God had other plans. I was confused because I didn’t really have any SEC teams hitting me up. So, at that point I just gave it to God. But I love it here, obviously. It was all God, but I’m loving it for sure.”
A visit to Lawrence sealed the decision. After meeting the coaching staff and seeing the area he was ready to be a Jayhawk.
“Probably when I came up here on my visit,” Hurley said. “I could just feel the realness coming off of them. It was transparent. I could tell it wasn’t any faking behind it. It was straight up how it was going to be when I got here, and that’s how it’s been.”
Hurley also visited Missouri and Michigan State. But after his visit to KU, it was a different feeling than the other college trips.
“I went to Missouri, Kansas, and then Michigan State,” he said. “They were good places, don’t get me wrong, but when I came here it just felt like home. Like, you know when you go home? That’s how it felt. So, I was like, this is the place.”
Feeling comfortable, fitting in the culture
After arriving in the spring, Hurley says he feels far more comfortable now than he did a few months ago. He believes he is improving and listens to what the coaches have told him.
“I’m way more comfortable because it’s a whole different system from where I came from,” Hurley said. “I had to get adapted to that, learn the whole different culture. I had to be intentional with what I did because it was a big difference. I feel like I’ve adapted well. The coaches are seeing me get better too. I’m just taking it a step every day. 1% is what our coaches say.”
That culture shift has included an emphasis on the smallest details. He was asked about the differences between Alabama and Kansas.
“It’s the small things, the teeny, tiniest things that matter here,” he said. “Where I was at before, I could do certain stuff, but here it’s not flying. I’ve gotten used to it and gotten better, so I feel like it was a great move for me.”
Part of adapting to Kansas included adjusting to different team standards, even in off-field routines. He talked about some of the things players must do at Kansas.
“Recording our weight in the weight room, I’ve never done that, even in high school,” he said. “We can’t eat in the locker room. At my last place, you could eat anywhere around the facility. They (KU) take pride in keeping the locker room clean. Also, supplements—we had the option before, but here it’s not an option. So, I had to lock in on that.”
He credits the strength and nutrition staff for helping him make physical gains.
“I’ve gained like 10 pounds,” Hurley added. “I actually gained weight during fall camp recently, so that’s been good. It shows they’re doing a great job getting me refueled and giving me what I need to get bigger, stronger, and faster.
Right now, he is in competition with Austin Alexander for the starting cornerback position. He is confident in his ability to help the secondary and defense.
“I can shut down a whole side of the field,” he said. “Most importantly, do my job for sure.”
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