Maurice Hurst to play in the Outback Bowl, according to Jim Harbaugh

After several weeks of contemplation for the fifth-year senior, Michigan defensive tackle Maurice Hurst has decided to play in the upcoming Outback Bowl against South Carolina on New Year’s Day.

“Yes, (Hurst is) playing,” Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters Wednesday evening. “That what he’s told us. He wants to do what’s best for Mo Hurst but he also wants to do what’s best for the team.”

Hurst is widely considered a first round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, so the fact he is playing the Outback Bowl is a bit surprising to me. I wouldn’t be upset one bit if he were to sit out; he gave his all to Michigan, and if he were to suffer a major injury like Jake Butt did in the Orange Bowl last year he would be losing out on millions of dollars.

But obviously I won’t be upset if he plays, either. I am glad I get to see Hurst suit up in a Wolverine uniform one final time. He is one of the all-time great defensive tackles in school history, in my opinion, so it will be great to see him play one last game.

Hurst was a consensus All-American this season, racking up 59 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, five sacks and one forced fumble.