Though Jalen Hurts said he shields himself from most media coverage, the Alabama quarterback has heard some of the chatter.

After losing his starting job this fall, then graduating this month, there’s a buzz about a potential exit from Tuscaloosa. Standing off to the side of Alabama’s 45-minute Orange Bowl media day in the club level of Hard Rock Stadium, Hurts fielded questions about the possibility of a transfer.

“I’ve spoken on that already in the fall,” Hurts said. “I’ve never said anything about transferring. Those words have never come out of my mouth. Those are always kind of assumptions. If I haven’t spoken about it, I don’t think it’s the conversation to be had.”

Hurts went on to say there have “always been assumptions” but it didn’t come from him.

“I’ve been counted out,” Hurts said. “I’m supposed to do this, and I’m supposed to do that. Even after the game last year, I was supposed to be gone. This year, I was supposed to redshirt and all those things. I’m here. I’m here for this team and that’s what’s most important to me. Being available and being ready to work for my guys.”

The graduate transfer market for quarterbacks is already in full motion with a few big names on the move. Kelly Bryant, the starting quarterback Hurts faced from Clemson in last year’s semifinal, is headed to Missouri. Notre Dame’s former starter, Brandon Wimbush, is leaving Notre Dame after its playoff run ends and Georgia’s Justin Fields is already in the database.

Hurts said the support from the Alabama fanbase has been incredible. Having the opportunity to share his testimony with those who’ll listen.

“The story is not over,” Hurts said.

Michael Casagrande is an Alabama beat writer for the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @ByCasagrande or on Facebook.