There is no doubt that Jalen Hurts is one of the NFL's best quarterbacks, and he's paid like it. 

However, when Hurts was in college, Alabama benched him and forced him to transfer to Oklahoma, where he put together one of the most impressive college seasons in recent memory. 

Now, years removed from the college benching, Alabama head coach Nick Saban is finally tipping his cap to Hurts, who represents the future of the position at the NFL level. 

“We’re happy for Jalen, his family. He’s been rewarded for just what you said,” Saban said. on The Next Round. “You couldn’t find a better guy. Can’t find a better leader. Can’t find a more determined, hard-working guy that’s got great sense of purpose. Not only understands what he wants to do, but he has a willingness to do all the things that needed to do to develop and get it done.

“My hat’s off to him. They had a great year, the Eagles this year, and he had a great year. We’re just happy that the organization recognized the fact that he’s going to be their quarterback for a long time.”

Hurts recently signed a five-year, $255 million contract extension. The contract also includes $179 million in guaranteed money.

It was a just reward after leading the Eagles to Super Bowl LVII, where the team lost 38-35 to the Kansas City Chiefs.

It is safe to say that Hurts is a long way removed from his benching in the National Championship game.