This spring, Kalen DeBoer has focused on transferring his playbook to Alabama’s players, particularly the quarterbacks, especially Jalen Milroe. As he stated after the first session, the Tide was delighted to watch footage of its own practices rather than cut-ups of previous DeBoer teams.
Milroe made another step forward in his development on Thursday, during the University of Alabama’s first spring scrimmage without Nick Saban in 17 years. After reviewing the offense on tape, the next stage is to play within the scheme. According to DeBoer, Milroe shown his ability to run, shoot deep, and generate first downs at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
“Jalen Milroe has been super consistent. You know, he’s done a good job of just playing ball. He’s got that dual skill set, being able to run and throw. And now that we have enough things in where he can utilize all of that, you can see even the play-calling working around what he brings to the table,” DeBoer said after the first of three UA scrimmages.
“He’s tough to handle. He’s just so extremely fast. You think you have it bottled up and he’s just runs right around you. So he’s done a really good job. I think he’s getting more and more comfortable with the offense every day. You know, especially when it comes to the pass game.”
He took most of the reps with the first team, DeBoer said. Milroe is the presumed starter. Overall, the incumbent led a “really good all-around” for the throwers.
The Tide’s quarterbacks featured third-year player Ty Simpson, second-year player Dylan Lonergan, and Washington transfer Austin Mack, who is 17 years old and in his first spring practice. DeBoer stated that there were no turnovers from the throwers; reporters were not permitted to see practice and did not collect stats.
Like the wide receivers, multiple players took snaps with the first team. DeBoer made it clear to say that it’s “no indication” of depth chart status. There is a competition for the No. 2 quarterback spot behind Milroe. Offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan said the team has had some “ups and downs” through camp, but DeBoer liked what he saw in the eighth practice:
“I actually thought the quarterbacks in general did a really good job making some throws, staying with plays, checking protections, just feeling really comfortable back there and not trying to do too much. They never turned the ball over once today, which I think is a really good sign that says a lot.
“When they had chances to make throws, they went and put it in a spot where the offensive player could compete for it. And they threw some nice touchdown passes in there, too.”
Alabama media will have a practice viewing next week before A-Day on April 13.
