Eagles new QB coach Brian Johnson has known Jalen Hurts and his father Averion since the quarterback was four years old
The Eagles have a new quarterback coach and depending on the lens you use to objectively look at things, Carson Wentz’s time in Philadelphia could still be coming to an end.
Most of the Eagles hires have reportedly centered around fixing Wentz, but the coach brought in to work with the quarterbacks has actually known Philadelphia’s backup quarterback since the young age of four and the relationship extended to collegiate recruitment.
During an Inquirer article from last May detailing the Eagles selection of Hurts, Dak Prescott was used as the example to have a solid backup quarterback in case of injury.
Johnson then the Gators offensive coordinator, spoke on Prescott’s ascension to NFL starter and the similarities that the Cowboys quarterback shared with Hurts.
Could Hurts do the same thing if necessary? Johnson’s perspective on that question is unique. Hurts’ father, Averion, was an assistant coach at Baytown Lee High School in Baytown, Texas, when Johnson played there. “I’ve known Jalen since he was 4,” Johnson said. And when Hurts was a star at Channelview High, Johnson recruited him. Hurts’ decision came down to Mississippi State and Alabama. He chose the latter.
“You never see him sweat,” said Johnson, now the quarterbacks coach at Florida. “I do think he and Dak have similarities in their games – not only in their games, but in their approach and their mindset. Both of those kids are two of the mentally toughest people I’ve ever seen or been around – how they handle themselves, the competitive nature they have.
It’s an interesting read and dynamic, and if Carson Wentz is truly unnerved by the presence of Jalen Hurts, then having a familiar face and family friend on the staff could make things even shakier as the 2021 offseason plays out.
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