Standing at 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe is impossible to miss—both in stature and on the field, where his blend of athleticism and talent has established him as one of the top college quarterbacks. Milroe’s presence draws attention from everyone, including rival coaches.
Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer vividly recalls seeing Milroe in action last season when DeBoer, then head coach of Washington, was preparing for the Sugar Bowl against Texas. At the same time, Milroe and Alabama were taking on Michigan in the Rose Bowl. During that moment, DeBoer and his coaching staff caught a glimpse of Milroe on TV, making an impressive play. “One of our coaches said, ‘If we face him, that’s going to be a problem,'” DeBoer shared on “The Triple Option” podcast.
Nick Saban was Milroe’s coach for that Rose Bowl game, but following Alabama’s 27-20 overtime loss to Michigan, Saban retired. Many players left Tuscaloosa afterward, but Milroe chose to stay, which DeBoer attributed to a sense of “unfinished business” at Alabama. DeBoer recalled a brief interaction with Milroe during a leadership meeting, where it became clear that Milroe was deeply committed to remaining with the team and seeing things through.
Since then, Milroe has been instrumental in Alabama’s early success this season. Through the first three games, he has thrown for 590 yards, eight touchdowns, and rushed for six more. DeBoer praised his leadership both on and off the field, saying, “He’s done nothing but lead in every way, as a player, a leader, and a representative of our program.”
This weekend, Milroe and the fourth-ranked Crimson Tide face their toughest test yet as they take on No. 2 Georgia at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Leave a Reply