It’s not often that a team spends the entire offseason discussing areas where a reigning SEC Offensive Player of the Year can improve, but that’s exactly what has happened with sophomore Alabama QB Jalen Hurts.

Hurts dominated opponents with his legs last fall, but his passing skills left something to be desired.

During an appearance on ESPN on Saturday, coach Nick Saban explained what the Crimson Tide asked of Hurts this offseason and added that the sophomore quarterback has delivered:

“The big goal for Jalen in the offseason was to become a more efficient, effective passer,” he said. “Look, we didn’t ask him to do a whole lot in that area last year because we didn’t want to put too much on him, but that was the goal in the offseason.

“Now this is the next step for you as a quarterback. We have to be able to create balance and make explosive plays in the passing game. Your ability to run is a tremendous asset for you, but that’s not what you need to depend on. He’s very capable and he’s made great strides this offseason.”

If Hurts can be even better this year than he was in 2016, he could win another SEC Offensive Player of the Year award and even work his way into the Heisman conversation.

However, if Hurts can lead the Crimson Tide back to the national championship game and avenge last year’s loss, that would be the ultimate measure of success for the young Alabama star.