Tennessee RB Jalen Hurd to Transfer, Reportedly Switch Position

Tennessee running back Jalen Hurd has informed head coach Butch Jones that he plans to transfer and will change positions at his next school.

Jones confirmed to reporters that Hurd will leave the program, adding that he believes team chemistry could improve in the running back's absence.

Jimmy Hyams of The Sports Animal originally reported the news. NBCSports.com's Kevin McGuire noted that Hyams reported the transfer would take place following the 2016 season.

A post on a Volunteers message board, purportedly by Hurd's uncle, stated that he plans to play receiver or tight end after transferring.

Hurd has rushed for 451 yards and three touchdowns this season but has been a poor fit for Tennessee's zone-read offense. Junior Alvin Kamara had been eating into Hurd's carries before suffering a knee injury that kept him out of last week's 24-21 loss to South Carolina.

Hurd received just eight carries in that game even though Kamara was out, as John Kelly led the Volunteers with 94 yards on 14 carries. Tennessee has moved away from the north-south running style that better fits Hurd's frame.

He put up 1,288 yards and 12 touchdowns last season but considered transferring because of unhappiness with the scheme, per the post on the message board. Jones apparently persuaded Hurd to stay by promising more standard running plays, but the offense has not reflected that.

Hurd was considered an athlete prospect coming out of high school who could play running back or wide receiver. He racked up 35 grabs during his freshman season, which also saw him post 899 yards on the ground.

Since he's 6'4" and 240 pounds, tight end might wind up being Hurd's easiest path to an NFL future. He does not possess the top-end speed of an elite running back but has excellent hands and good speed. Learning to block on run plays will be his most difficult path; Hurd may almost exclusively be used as a hybrid receiver and tight end wherever he goes next.

The next step will be to find a school. It's unlikely he will hurt for options, but it is also unclear whether Tennessee will place any transfer restrictions on him. Standard procedures would typically have the Vols try to avoid losing him to another SEC team or anyone on their schedule for the remainder of his eligibility.

A true junior, Hurd will have one year of eligibility remaining. He will be three years removed from high school by the 2017 NFL draft, so it is possible he will declare for the pros rather than continue his college career.

Follow Tyler Conway (@jtylerconway) on Twitter.