Over the weekend at the NFL Combine, former University of Virginia defensive back Jonas Sanker put on an impressive athletic display, but it wasn’t just his performance that caught people’s attention—it was his uncanny resemblance to Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Sanker, a 6-foot-1, 210-pound safety, was a two-time First-Team All-ACC selection at Virginia, where he racked up over 200 total tackles in his final two seasons. As a versatile second-level defender, he projects as a mid-to-late-round pick with strong upside as a role player in the NFL.
However, despite his football credentials, it was his face—not his stats—that made headlines in Indianapolis.
Jonas Sanker’s Viral Moment at the NFL Combine
During Friday’s on-field drills, Sanker impressed scouts by running a 4.48-second 40-yard dash, recording a 36.5-inch vertical, and notching a 10-foot-8-inch broad jump. But while his performance helped boost his draft stock, it was a side-by-side camera shot that made social media erupt.
Fans watching at home couldn’t help but notice that Sanker looked eerily similar to Eagles star Jalen Hurts—from certain angles, the resemblance was almost identical.
A clip of Sanker during workouts instantly went viral, with fans pointing out that if you swapped Hurts’ midnight green Eagles jersey with a No. 48 UVA uniform, you’d have a hard time telling them apart.
RELATED: Astrophysics Expert Explains Why the Philadelphia Eagles’ Tush Push Play is Unstoppable
Sanker Doesn’t See It—But Everyone Else Does
Despite the internet exploding over the comparison, Sanker isn’t buying the resemblance.
When asked about his NFL doppelgänger, the Virginia standout brushed off the chatter, saying he doesn’t see it the way social media does.
“Jalen Hurts looks like Jalen Hurts. Jonas Sanker looks like Jonas Sanker.”
That may be true, but the side-by-side images from the combine suggest otherwise. The similar facial structure, strong eyebrows, matching goatees, and even their hair fades make the two look like they could be long-lost brothers.
Interestingly, the resemblance only became noticeable after Sanker recently cut his hair short. He used to sport longer hair, which made the comparison less obvious. Now, with the fresh buzz cut, it’s hard not to see the connection.
From Lookalike to NFL Prospect
While his viral moment may have been unexpected, Sanker is still focused on making his NFL dreams a reality. He has proven himself as a hard-hitting, instinctual safety with the versatility to contribute early in his career.
Whether he embraces the Jalen Hurts comparisons or not, the buzz surrounding him at the combine may only help boost his name recognition heading into the draft. And who knows? If he ends up playing for the Eagles one day, the resemblance could make for an even better story.
Leave a Reply