Alabama’s new OC, Brian Daboll, really believes Jalen Hurts has taken a step forward this off-season.

Hurts burst onto the scene last year with an outstanding freshman season for Alabama. He was named the SEC Freshman of the Year and the SEC Offensive Player of the Year while leading the Crimson Tide to an SEC title and an appearance in the College Football Playoff championship game.

Still, critics don’t think Hurts can throw the football when he has to, and naturally, that’s been a big emphasis for Alabama this off-season.

Daboll met with the media Saturday for the first time, and he was asked about Hurts’ improvement as a passer.

“Our goal, our mantra really, not just for Jalen but all the quarterbacks and the guys on our team, is to improve every single day with their fundamentals,” said Daboll. ” At the end of the day, when it’s crunch time, the team that plays with good fundamentals usually has the best chance to win.”

Daboll listed three specific areas that he believes Hurts has improved on this year.

“He’s really improved his feet, his eyes and where he’s going with the football,” said Daboll. “I appreciate the effort that he’s put in, a great young man, really dedicated, smart, tough. So we’ll just keep grinding away with him.”

Hurts compiled 3,734 yards of total offense with 36 TD’s last season.

An improved Hurts will truly be a nightmare for opposing defenses to handle.