LSU QB commit Colin Hurley talks Citrus Bowl, Tiger fans, getting prepared

"It was awesome to attend the game and watch a very dominating win," he told TigerDetails. "I was able to interact with a lot of LSU fans and they recognized me and I’m honored, humbled and grateful for their support. The LSU fanbase loves their football and it’s one of the most passionate followings in college football."

Hurley wanted to attend the game, which was only about a two-hour drive from his home in Jacksonville, to watch Brian Kelly & Co. close out Year 1. And like he always does when watching the Tigers, Hurley was breaking down the game and keeping tabs on what offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock was calling.

"There were a lot of takeaways too from this game and the entire season. Coach Kelly and his staff made the transition to the SEC and captured the SEC West title. The team hit the 10 win mark and finished with a rout in their Bowl Game. There are some promising pieces on offense and defense coming back. The team also showed it’s ability to be creative, proficient and effective, despite being short-handed in some position groups. Coach Denbrock and Coach Sloan dialed it up and had some fun with the play-calling. This offense will continue to get better and become more and more explosive," he said.

Hurley is one of eight 2024 LSU commitments in the class. The Tigers additionally hold pledges from Louisiana's Xavier Atkins (linebacker), Wallace Foster (defensive back) and Khayree Lee Jr. (offensive line), plus out-of-state prospects Zion Ferguson (defensive back), Tayvion Galloway (tight end), Joseph Stone Jr. (athlete) and Maurice Williams (defensive back).

Currently, that's the No. 2 class in the Rivals rankings for 2024.

"I feel very good about the ‘24 class and think it will be a pivotal piece of what’s to come at LSU football," he said, adding, "I’m excited about heading up that class and we plan to recruit 'dudes' who are committed to bringing a National Championship to Baton Rouge."

Moving forward, Hurley has tunnel vision on what he's focused on and bettering himself.

"Everything I do is important for me personally and in light of my recruitment with LSU, as well as my current role at Trinity Christian. The standards as a quarterback and leader, it’s expected that I will do the right things, say the right things and be about the right things. I still have every intention on going out as a high school champion and Coach Dorminey and Coach Scott ask a lot of me at school, so my role and position there is important. The benchmark for me as a team captain, quarterback and leader on this team is high. There’s a lot expected from the coaches, school and teammates. That includes on the field, in the locker room, within the community and academically.

"As far as LSU, when I speak with Coach Kelly, Coach Denbrock and Coach Sloan, all of them make it very clear that the expectations and standards for me as the team’s top 2024 recruit and quarterback at LSU have already begun. Each of them ask me about my grades. Coach Redmond speaks with my school counselor. The coaches are in constant contact with my Trinity coaches. LSU has, from the very start, been “all in” on me. They’ve never paused or adjourned on continuing to build this relationship. What started out as recruiting has simply transitioned and shifted into creating a shared vision for me. We speak on the intricacies of the offense, their plans for me, where I’m very good and where [we] feel I can improve. It’s been a noticeable 'change' in the relationship, and that’s a good thing. I want to get better. I want to be coached hard. I want to be challenged. I want to grow as a quarterback, leader and person. I want to be pushed. I want to be supported.

"The staffs at LSU and at Trinity are working closely to prepare me and to have that level of support and deliberate coordination is all I could ever ask for."