Maurice Hurst

A one-year starter at Michigan, Hurst played significant snaps as an underclassman understudy, but didn’t get his chance to shine as a full-time starter until his senior campaign. He was used all over the defensive line, mostly as a nose tackle in Don Brown’s blitz-heavy, attacking front-seven, utilizing his initial quickness to knife through gaps or overwhelm blockers with his burst of momentum. Hurst’s quick reflexes show at the snap, but he needs to improve his counter moves and introduce more discipline mid-rush to not overrun his assignments. His lack of ideal size and length might not be considered a “fit” for every scheme, but he has the frame to add functional mass and certainly doesn’t play like a small player on tape. BACKGROUND A three-star defensive tackle recruit out of high school, Maurice “Mo” Hurst Jr. was destined to play professional football as the son of former New England Patriots cornerback Maurice Hurst and a Patriots’ cheerleader (Nicole Page). Despite his pro career ending (due to injury) around the time when Maurice Jr. was born, Maurice Sr. has never been a significant part of his son’s life aside from infrequent conversations. Hurst grew up with his mother, who sacrificed to send him to private schools, including Xaverian Brothers, where he developed into one of the top recruits in the state. He attracted attention from Ohio State, Michigan State and others before accepting a scholarship to Michigan – he liked the look of the “winged helmet” when playing the Wolverines on NCAA Football video game. After redshirting in 2013 and playing sparingly in 2014, Hurst worked his way into the rotation as a sophomore (four starts), recording 35 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks. He again served as a part-time starter as a junior with 32 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and one forced fumble. Hurst became a full-time starter as a senior and played like an All-American, finishing with 59 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks and one forced fumble. He earned First Team All-Big Ten honors and received the Bo Schembechler Team MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards.

in our view

The top-rated senior interior defensive line prospect in the 2018 class, Hurst has the initial surge of quickness and power to break the rhythm of the blockers. His ball recognition and competitive hunger are also NFL-ready traits, making him ideally-suited as one-gapping defensive tackle in an aggressive scheme.

strengths

Surges off the snap with explosive get-off and power. Routinely the first defender to move off the snap. Body control and hip flexibility to sidestep, swim and penetrate without losing speed. Easy redirection skills for a man his size. Broad shoulders and upper body thickness. Raw strength to tear through the shoulder of blockers. Shock in his hands with the placement to control the point of attack. Doesn’t have an “off” hand. Punishing tackler. Backfield instincts to quickly find and force his way to the football. Well-versed with multiple defensive line techniques. Two career blocked kicks. Competes with a chip – doesn’t have a relationship with his father, but wears No. 73 because his father wore No. 37. Works hard to create and maintain a strong bond with his teammates. Four-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree and graduated with a degree in sport management. – Dane Brugler 12/30/2017

compares to

Warren Sapp, Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Like Sapp, Hurst doesn’t have the size or girth that stands out, but once the tape rolls, the initial quickness to attack gaps and flood the pocket. Sapp built a hall of fame career with that first step burst and Hurst’s quick momentum off the snap is what makes him a handful for blockers.

weaknesses

Lacks ideal bulk for an interior player, especially in his lower body. Only average length. Base tends to narrow in the run game. Comes off the ball with low pad level, but plays taller as the rep continues. Relies on initial movements to win the rep and needs to develop his countermeasures. Times up the snap well, but also guilty of his share of offsides penalties. Finds himself too far upfield at times, selling out for the sack. Only one season as a full-time starter. – Dane Brugler 12/30/2017

Attended Xaverian Brothers High School (2013) coached by Charles Stevenson

Tallied 61 tackles, 13.5 for a loss, with nine sacks and four forced fumbles as a junior

Selected to the Massachusetts High School Football Coaches Association All-State Team twice (2011-12).

Maurice Roy Hurst Jr. was born on May 9, 1995

Son of former New England Patriot Maurice Hurst

Enrolled in the the School of Kinesiology, major undeclared.

2017

defensive
TFL	QB HUR	TOT	TD	PD	SACKS	SOLO
13.5	2.0	58.0	0.0	2.0	5.5	26.0

2016

fumbles
REC	LOST	FUM
1.0	0.0	0.0

defensive
TFL	QB HUR	TOT	TD	PD	SACKS	SOLO
11.0	6.0	32.0	0.0	1.0	4.5	20.0