Alabama’s quarterback, Jalen Milroe, is stepping into the 2024 season with a renewed sense of leadership, aiming to elevate his game by viewing it from the perspective of a head coach.
As the Crimson Tide gears up for their season opener against Western Kentucky, Milroe shared his aspirations and the growth he’s experienced under new head coach Kalen DeBoer.
Milroe emphasized the importance of understanding the game beyond just his role as a quarterback.
“I want to see the field and all areas of the game through the lens of the head coach, so you can process at the quarterback position, which is like the point guard in basketball,” he explained.
His goal is to ensure he effectively distributes the ball to Alabama’s playmakers and fulfills his responsibilities on the field.
Reflecting on his time with DeBoer, Milroe described it as a period of significant growth.
“From spring training through camp, it’s been awesome, and now we trend into the season having had so much growth and improvement as a team,” Milroe noted. He highlighted DeBoer’s approach of critiquing in private and praising in public as instrumental in fostering a positive environment. “It’s about relationships with Coach DeBoer, Coach Sheridan, and all the quarterbacks in the room. We’re constantly pursuing improvement, and that’s something Coach DeBoer emphasizes every day,” Milroe added.
Milroe also expressed confidence in his abilities, attributing it to thorough preparation and strong relationships with his coaches, particularly Nick Sheridan, the quarterbacks coach.
“Coach Sheridan believes in me, loves me, and there’s nothing greater than that. Above the Xs and Os, it’s the belief a coach has in his players,” Milroe said, underscoring the significance of trust and support within the team.
As Alabama’s permanent captain for the season, Milroe takes pride in his leadership role.
“I take a lot of pride in representing our football team, the state of Alabama, and the guys in our locker room. I’m excited about the opportunity to be a captain this year, and I think about it every day,” he shared.
Looking ahead, Milroe is focused on guiding his team to the “mountaintop,” a metaphor for their ultimate goal of success. He believes that Alabama’s offense is not one-dimensional and is poised to be successful this year.
“We have to do better every day, be prepared for all four quarters,” Milroe stated, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement.
With his experience and growth, Milroe is ready to lead Alabama into what he hopes will be a triumphant season, fueled by the support of his coaches, teammates, and the “army” behind him.
