What a difference a year makes. As spring practice ended last year, Jalen Milroe was widely regarded as the front-runner for Alabama’s quarterback position, but Coach Nick Saban made it plain that the competition would continue. It lasted until at least the fourth game of the season.
By “at least,” the journey included:
- Taking over for Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young, by all appearances Milroe was No. 1 at the end of 2023 spring practice and in preseason camp
- Start in the tune-up game against Middle Tennessee, and accounted for five touchdowns, three passing, two rushing
- In key game vs. Texas was 14-27 passing for 255 yards, but had two interceptions
- At South Florida was basically benched, Tyler Buchner and Ty Simpson splitting time in the lackluster (to put it mildly) 17-3 win
- Returned to starting duty at Ole Miss and led the Tide to a 24-10 win and Bama completed an 11-1 regular season that ended with his instant legend winning touchdown pass at Auburn
- Was MVP in Alabama’s Southeastern Conference Championship Game 27-24 win over No. 1 Georgia
- He was second team All-SEC and elected one of the Tide’s captains and team MVP
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- Had final statistics of 187-284 passes (65.8 percent) for 2,834 yards and 23 touchdowns, only six interceptions, and rushed 161 times for 531 yards and 12 scores.
After finishing sixth in Heisman Trophy balloting, he earned the mantle of “leading contender going into 2024.”
Milroe is expected to be leading the first team offense when Alabama has its public display Saturday, the A-Day Game to conclude spring practice under first-year coach Kalen DeBoer. Before that, he’ll take part with Malachi Moore and Dallas Turner in the annual ceremony of Alabama’s 2023 captains adding hand- and foot-prints at Denny Chimes.
The A-Day Game in Bryant-Denny Stadium will be at 3 p.m. CDT in Bryant-Denny Stadium with no admission charge and ESPN televising.
As for what he’s most excited about, it’s “to be in front of our fans, the best fans in the country. I’m also excited because we’ve been working in the dark and on Saturday we’ll come out in the ‘shine. And I’m excited for all the guys who have been working so hard all spring and now able to show it on Saturday.
“I’ve told the young guys to soak it all up, go out there and have fun.”
Milroe said learning a new offense has been good under Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach Nick Sheridan who gives him “positive reinforcement.” And along with that, he gave credit to DeBoer and other assistant coaches and players around him.
“The offense has been fun,” he said. “The thing is to keep climbing.
“Learning a new offense after being in the same one for three years is going to make me better because it expands my horizons.”
Milroe attributes his current position to his “trust in the process,” as opposed to his previous position last year. During the procedure, you may become tired and frustrated because it is difficult. You must keep focused on both your short-term and long-term goals.
“Through the process I’ve been able to learn and I’m a better quarterback now.”
