Hayden Randle Hurst (born August 24, 1993) is an American football tight end for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at South Carolina and was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Early years Hurst attended The Bolles School in Jacksonville, Florida. He played football and baseball for the Bulldogs athletic teams. He graduated in 2012. Hurst was chosen by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 17th round of the 2012 MLB draft and signed with the Pirates for a $400,000 signing bonus, turning down a baseball scholarship from Florida State. Hurst played two seasons in the Pirates organization before walking onto South Carolina's football team. In his only minor league pitching appearance, Hurst walked five batters and threw two wild pitches in one-third of an inning. Hurst gave up baseball because he was afflicted by "the yips." College career In 2015, as a true freshman, Hurst played in all 12 of South Carolina's games, catching eight passes for 106 yards. In 2016, as a sophomore, Hurst played in all 13 games, catching at least one pass in each. He caught a career high seven passes against Kentucky. In total, Hurst caught 48 passes for 616 yards. He was awarded a scholarship the following spring. In 2017, as a junior, Hurst once again played in all 13 games (including the 2018 Outback Bowl), catching 44 passes for 559 yards and two touchdowns. He was unanimously named to the 2017 All-SEC football team. Hurst declared for the 2018 NFL Draft on December 7, 2017, nearly a month before the 2018 Outback Bowl against Michigan. Hurst recorded three receptions for 41 yards in the 2018 Outback Bowl for a 26–19 South Carolina victory over Michigan. Collegiate statistics Professional career Baltimore Ravens 2018 The Baltimore Ravens selected Hurst in the first round (25th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft. He was the first tight end selected in the draft. On June 19, 2018, Hurst signed a four-year deal worth $11 million featuring a $6.1 million signing bonus. He recorded his first career touchdown reception, a 26-yard pass from fellow rookie Lamar Jackson, on October 28, 2018, late in the fourth quarter of a 21–36 loss to the Carolina Panthers. Overall, Hurst finished the 2018 season with 13 receptions for 163 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. 2019 On September 15,