Former University of Virginia defensive back Jonas Sanker emerged as a doppelgänger to Jalen Hurts at the NFL Combine over the weekend. However, he does not see the resemblance.
They are not the same size but their features are indistinguishable from the right angle!
Sanker, a two-time First-Team All-ACC player, recorded more than 200 total tackles during his last two years at Virginia. The 6-foot-1, 210-pound safety excels as a second-level defender and projects as a mid-to-late-round pick who could develop into an important role player in the NFL.
Sanker helped his draft stock at the Scouting Combine on Friday with a 4.48-second 40-yard dash, which paired nicely with a 36.5-inch vertical and 10-foot-8-inch broad jump. He also looked fluid during the on-field workout portion of the afternoon.
Put the league on 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙚 @JonasSanker #UVAStrong | #GoHoos ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/ygWXos12PR
— Virginia Football (@UVAFootball) March 3, 2025
His performance, while strong, was not the reason that Sanker went viral in Indianapolis. Fans at home noticed that he looks very similar (if not identical) to Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts.
This is the video that sparked the comp— keep an eye out for No. 48:
idk but it’s 48 😭 pic.twitter.com/qoZ5my6w46
— 𓆩 bree 𓆪 (@kidxbree) March 1, 2025
Jonas Sanker used to have long hair so the resemblance was not quite as uncanny. The comparison never came up before his recent buzzcut.
It is now hard not to see it now that Sanker has short hair. Here is a side-by-side comparison from the NFL Combine past and present:
When asked about his NFL doppelgänger, the Cavaliers standout said he doesn’t buy into the chatter as much as the internet over the last few days. Jalen Hurts looks Jalen Hurts. Jonas Sanker looks like Jonas Sanker.
Although that is an accurate statement, I find it hard to see how Philadelphia’s quarterback and Virginia’s defensive back do not look similar. The eyebrows, goatee and fade are one thing but it really comes down to their facial structure. I would absolutely believe you if you told me that Jonas Sanker and Jalen Hurts are long lost brothers!