QB Jalen Milroe of Alabama Enjoys Working With Head Coach Who Has An Offensive Mind
Tuscaloosa, Alabama: Before he ever committed to playing for the Crimson Tide, Jalen Milroe promised his parents that he would graduate from the University of Alabama with a degree.
He relied on that assurance during the coaching change this offseason, when Kalen DeBoer took over for Nick Saban.
But the replacement went beyond his head coach. Ryan Grubb, the first offensive coordinator DeBoer brought in, left to take a position with the Seattle Seahawks, and nearly all of his staff was hired anew.
DeBoer then elevated Nick Sheridan to the positions of offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
Through all of the coaching changes, Milroe had to have faith in the process.
Regardless of the coach, Milroe stated, “We were going to have spring ball at the end of the day.” “I just tried to psychologically and physically prepare myself along the way, and now that we are here, I’m thrilled to have Coach Sheridan here,” the author said.
Alabama’s returning quarterback and captain is already enjoying some advantages of having an offensive-minded head coach just a few practices into spring camp. During his first news conference, DeBoer made a guarantee about an aggressive and dynamic offense.
And during his prior tenure at Washington, Fresno State, Indiana, and even back to his time at Sioux Falls, he has demonstrated his abilities in those areas.
Washington boasted a top-15 scoring offense and the nation’s second-ranked passing attack during their previous season as the Huskies.
“It’s always fantastic to be around an offensive-minded coach as a quarterback,” Milroe remarked. “Coach DeBoer, it’s been a pleasure to have him around the quarterbacks the past several days as we’ve traveled and grown.
Since our ultimate goal as quarterbacks is to perform as well as possible for the team, the best thing we can do is absorb knowledge like a sponge. I’m looking forward to what lies ahead, because having Coach DeBoer here has been fantastic.
DeBoer watches over both sides of the ball but works closest with the offense, while Saban spends most of his practice time with the defense, particularly the defensive backs.
He and Sheridan were observing the quarterbacks intently during practice’s first media viewing session.
It’s the early days of spring, Milroe noted, and he’s been really focusing on building his relationship with DeBoer and Sheridan.
He wants to be the best quarterback in the nation this season, so he’s trying to absorb as much information as he can about them as he becomes familiar with their offensive scheme.
Regarding the new system, Milroe stated, “It will benefit me in the future.” “I think that the system is excellent. It makes all of the offensive players delighted. Additionally, we’re attempting to learn everything we can.
We’re all excited because, although it’s new, it will enable us to be a tremendously explosive offense this year.
Sheridan made his first appearance in front of the media last Friday following Alabama’s third spring practice. He expressed his confidence in Milroe’s quarterback and expressed gratitude for the chance to coach him.
Sheridan remarked, “He’s a really gifted child.” Above all, I believe that he is an amazing person. Getting to know him and his family has been a joy.
Of course, everyone is aware of the skill and explosiveness of the passer. It goes without saying that he is also a very electric runner.
However, I’ve really liked getting to know him as a person and learning about his background and experience. Only his path has brought him thus far.”
Milroe finished sixth in the Heisman race in 2023 after throwing for 2,834 yards and 21 touchdowns in his first season as an Alabama starter. He also ran for 531 yards and 12 touchdowns. So far this spring, Milroe has been the starting quarterback for the first team.
Although his position as the team’s starting quarterback hasn’t altered, DeBoer’s scheme will undoubtedly see a change in his duties.
“The quarterback is expected to do a lot of things, but it all comes down to confidence and running the show,” Milroe stated.
There are numerous things we can do to be the most potent offensive unit in the nation, whether it’s post- or pre-snap reads.
The offense can do a lot of things, which excites me. Right now, we just want to get the hang of it so we can be prepared.
