When it comes to rating college quarterbacks, ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit is one of the most trusted minds outside of an NFL front office. And Herbie says that Alabama’s Jalen Hurts is just starting to tap into his potential.

Herbstreit joined the Paul Finebaum Show Friday afternoon to talk about Alabama’s upcoming spring game and season, and with all the talk surrounding new OC Brain Daboll and highly-touted QB prospect Tua Tagovailoa, Herbstreit still knows Hurts is the guy to lead the Tide’s offense.

“Jalen Hurts as a true freshman took Alabama to the national championship, and in fact, he made a play late that potentially secured a national championship,” Herbstreit said. “That doesn’t happen, ever. I mean, [OU’s] Jamelle Holieway was the only guy that we’ve ever seen do that.”

As part of a Crimson Tide team that has seen a ton of upheaval, namely the coordinators, on the offensive side of the ball, there has been speculation about how Hurts will be used next year. Will Daboll bring a pro-style offense? Will Alabama try and keep Hurts in the pocket more? Herbie thinks that making the dynamic dual-threat QB into a pro-style pocket passer would be a mistake.

“Well, I think it would be crazy to take away his legs. That’s a real asset,” said Herbstreit.

Though he wasn’t shy about his high opinions of the Alabama passer, Herbstreit said that there are, of course, some areas where he could improve.

“I think if there’s an area of where the growth is it’s reading coverages better; he’s making better decisions with the ball; he’s making better decisions in the pocket. I think that’s where they really want to see him grow as a quarterback. But I think they are very happy with where he is currently, and I think they’re anxious to see where he’ll go between now and the time they get ready to roll against Florida State.”

Overall, the face of ESPN’s college football coverage seemed to think that Jalen Hurts has a very bright future ahead and that he has performed extremely well given the tumultuous circumstances of his first year.