A number of SEC programs this year, including Georgia, Ole Miss and South Carolina, have opted to start true freshmen quarterbacks, but none have had as much success with the experiment as Alabama has in 2016 with Jalen Hurts.

As a four-star recruit from the 2016 recruiting class, Hurts beat out Blake Barnett (who soon transferred) and Cooper Bateman for the starting quarterback job - and since week one, the 6-foot-2, 209-pound true freshman has thrived in the role.

Hurts has thrown for 2,454 yards and 21 touchdowns against nine interceptions on 65.9% passing while rushing for 840 yards and 12 touchdowns in his first season with the Crimson Tide. Alabama this year has tailored its offense to better suit the strengths of a dual-threat quarterback like Hurts with more read-option packages - and in turn, Hurts has managed to work his way into the mix among the top 5-10 players in the Heisman Trophy conversation (although Louisville's Lamar Jackson is widely expected to win it).

Florida head coach Jim McElwain is aware that Hurts is ahead of the curve as a true freshman. After watching Alabama film in preparation for UF's contest with the Crimson Tide this Saturday in Atlanta for the SEC Championship Game, the second-year Gators head coach grew impressed with Hurts' demeanor running the Crimson Tide offense.