Hurd discusses A&M Junior Day

With many big name recruits on hand for A&M's second Junior Day, none may be bigger than defensive back Toney Hurd Jr. from Fort Bend Marshall, who spoke with Aggie Websider about his visit to College Station on Saturday. Hurd has offers from Cal, Oregon, and Auburn to go with his early one from A&M.

One of the most intriguing defensive backs in the Class of 2010 from Texas is Fort Bend Marshall’s Toney Hurd, Jr. The 5-foot-10, 184-pound cornerback collected 86 tackles, five interceptions, and 16 pass break-ups last fall in his junior campaign. He attributes his speed and advanced techniques to his success on the field.

“The coaches say I have a polished technique. I also think I have great awareness of the field and I can read quarterbacks and receivers,” Hurd said. “I’m also physical and can make big hits. I played some safety last year so I did a lot of run support. I can play any position in the secondary.”

Hurd has all the attributes that major D-1 programs want including excellent speed. He clocked a 4.49 forty at the Texas A&M camp last summer, one of the fastest times at the combine. His abilities are reflected in the interest from college coaches already. In fact, the Houston area product boasts four written offers and numerous verbal offers with 12 months before Signing Day.

“A lot of schools have said they will offer, but I only count those in writing,” Hurd said. “My offers are from Texas A&M, Cal, Oregon, and Auburn, but I’m hearing from just about everybody.”

The highly regarded cornerback prospect attended his first junior day event at Texas A&M over the weekend. Hurd is no stranger to College Station as he’s been to a summer camp and has attended a couple of games at Kyle Field. But on Saturday, he had a chance to speak one-on-one with head coach Mike Sherman and the A&M coaching staff.

“Overall, I enjoyed the day. My mom really liked A&M,” Hurd said. “I liked talking to Coach Kines, Coach Sherma, and Coach Malone. Coach Sherman said I had the best technique of any high school cornerback he’s seen and that I’d have a good chance to play cornerback as a true freshman if I come with the right mindset.”

While many junior day participants mentioned the atmosphere at the basketball game as a highlight of the day, Hurd had different thoughts about the event. In fact, he had to leave and didn’t make it to the game.

“I couldn’t go to the game. We had to leave,” Hurd said. “But for me, I liked the facilities and everything was first class. However, what sets A&M apart is the coaching staff. I felt comfortable with the staff and they are experienced and knowledgeable.”

Hurd said he’s just beginning the recruiting process and he’s open to any schools that are interested in him. Next on his schedule is a junior day visit to LSU on January 31 and then a visit to Texas on February 8.

“I attended a three day camp at LSU last summer so I know a little about them,” Hurd said. “I don’t know as much about Texas. I didn’t get a chance to camp there, so I need to catch up and get to know the program.”

Hurd indicated that a decision won’t be coming anytime soon, and suggested that his recruitment could last into his senior season.