South Carolina’s “Senior Day” is Saturday against FCS opponent Wofford, but one junior will be honored as well, and that has led to increased speculation that tight end Hayden Hurst will turn pro.
Hurst, 24, played two seasons of minor league baseball with the Pittsburgh Pirates before resurrecting his football career. He has developed into one of the best tight ends in the SEC and fits the mold of the “new age” tight end – a guy who can get downfield for a big play.
Hurst (6 feet 5, 250 pounds) also has improved as a blocker in the past year – though he still needs work in that regard – and should he decide to turn pro, he seems likely to go on the second day of the draft.