Lincoln Riley says Jalen Hurts thrives despite constant scheme changes

Some relationships never fade. For Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, that includes the one he built with Lincoln Riley. Perhaps you have heard. Before he became the face of the Birds, Hurts college journey took him through two of college football's biggest stages.

Jalen Hurts spent his first three seasons with the Alabama Crimson Tide. The ups and downs were well-documented. There's no need to revisit here. Then came the transfer. During his final NCAA season, he played for Lincoln Riley with the Oklahoma Sooners. He turned his best season as a passer into a First-team All-Big 12 nod, a Third-team All-American mention, and Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year. Sometimes, we all talk about the ups and downs at Tuscaloosa so often that we forget that he was the 2016 SEC Offensive Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year. He's also a College Football Playoff National Champion.

His season with Coach Riley fueled a Heisman Trophy run, one in which he finished second in the voting. He finished with 762 points. Unfortunately for him, Joe Burrow finished with 2,608.

A conversation that says it all

Hurts remains close with Coach Riley. Their single season together showcased more than offensive firepower. It showed evolution and the ability to adapt and thrive in a high-powered system. The mindset that would become the stuff of legend is what Riley saw then and what he still sees now.

Recently, they spoke. Coach Riley shared some of the details during a chat with 97.5 The Fanatic. Trust this next comment. You're going to want to hear what Hurts had to say.

Hurts is still chasing more. He's still looking to improve and still embracing the challenge of becoming better. Even after reaching the highest levels of the sport, he has the same mentality that carried him from Alabama to Oklahoma, and eventually to the NFL. That consistency is what stands out. The accolades have changed. The stage has grown. The expectations are higher, but the approach remains the same. Hurts isn't satisfied with what he's done. He's focused on what comes next.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Lincoln Riley says Jalen Hurts is ‘hungry’ after Super Bowl run