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What does the 2015 season have in store for Allen Hurns?

By Justin Moore

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Allen Hurns was one of the biggest stories of the Jaguars 2014 offseason. The University of Miami receiver signed with the Jaguars after not being selected in the 2014 NFL Draft, and it appeared that he would have to fight for a roster spot. Allen Hurns did much more than that, starting the 2014 season with a bang, making NFL history in his first regular season game.  Hurns was the first receiver in NFL History with two touchdowns in the first quarter of his NFL career. He finished his first game with four receptions for 110 yards and two touchdowns.

Hurns went on to be a fairly reliable target for rookie quarterback Blake Bortles, he played in every game and finished the season with 51 receptions for 677 yards and six touchdowns. However, Hurns dealt with his fair share of struggles in his rookie season which leads many to question what his role will be in the upcoming season.

Allen Robinson seems to be a lock to be the Jaguars number one wide out and Rashad Greene seems to be the most likely candidate to be the starting slot receiver for the Jags, so where does that put Hurns? Allen Hurns lined up all over the field last year and he was easily the Jags most reliable deep threat. Hurns showed the ability to catch the ball in traffic as well as make plays after the catch. Logic would point towards him competing with Marqise Lee for the other starting outside receiving spot, which makes us wonder if Hurns will be given the starting role.

Black and Teal Writer Daniel Lago had this to say about Hurns during last years season

"Hurns has played like a rookie at times, most notably when he has a case of the drops. Early on in the season, his hands appeared to be an issue. He’s settled down and started to be more consistent catching the football, but he’s going to have to be more reliable in that respect to become a big piece of this offense."

The key to Allen Hurns receiving significant playing time will depend on his ability to consistently put up numbers. The inability for Marqise Lee to make a significant impact is a big reason why Allen Hurns received more playing time last season. Marqise Lee is also currently dealing with a knee injury that has lead him to miss all of OTA’s and it will make the transition to the Jaguars new offensive system more difficult for him.

Personally, I believe all signs point towards Allen Hurns being the starting outside receiver opposite Allen Robinson. Allen Hurns was targeted the second most out of all Jaguars receivers last season and even though that number would be different if Allen Robinson didn’t get injured, Hurns seems to have built up some good chemistry with Blake Bortles. Training Camp and pre season will obviously play the biggest factor in determining what role Allen Hurns has for the Jaguars this season but my bet is that he is given a starting position.

Next: Can Julius Thomas Help Ignite the Jaguars Offense?

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