Andalusia senior Jamal Hourel saw much of his season disappear due to an ankle injury, but the bruising running back recently still turned the heads of college recruiters and is set to sign  with Faulkner University.

“Faulkner is just a great all-around school,” Hourel said. “Faulkner is a Christian school and I think that was a big part of my decision because I want to get closer to God.”

For Hourel, being injured and not being able to play was extremely tough, but he said that God pulled him through it.

“God has truly blessed me,” Hourel said. “At one point when I was injured, all of my offers went away. God gave me an opportunity to play ball at the next level and I will always be thankful. I just prayed about everything and God found a way. This is truly a blessing.”

Hourel became one of the most talked about running back recruits in the state after posting a gaudy stat line as a junior (2,396 yards and 35 touchdowns), but an ankle injury in the second game of the 2016 season limited him to 534 yards and 6 touchdowns as a senior.

At Faulkner, Hourel said that he plans to make the most of every opportunity.

“I hope to go to Faulkner and excel academically and athletically,” Hourel said. “I want to become a better person and grow to be the man that I know I can be.”

Hourel said that he is excited to start this next chapter in his life, and that he is thankful for everything he learned at Andalusia.

“Playing at Andalusia has been a blessing,” Hourel said. “It taught me to work hard and stay humble. It’s not easy coming from a small town, but it can teach you to work hard and to be thankful for everything. I love Andalusia and I want to thank all of my coaches for helping me to be a better athlete and also a better man. I would also like to thank the community for everything they do.”

Hourel is set to sign on Feb. 1.