After Nick Saban retired from Alabama this offseason, quarterback Jalen Milroe had a massive decision to make. Enter the transfer portal or return and join new head coach Kalen DeBoer.
Milroe chose the latter option and was one of the first Alabama players to endorse DeBoer, leading to a wave of other members of the Crimson Tide announcing their return. An opposing SEC assistant coach believes Milroe made the correct decision.
“There’s so much change that it’s hard to know how to scout them right now. The biggest win is keeping [quarterback Jalen] Milroe around; that was a no-brainer for him after watching what that staff was able to get out of [Michael] Penix [Jr.],” the anonymous coach told Athlon Sports.
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In his final season at Washington, DeBoer turned Penix into a household name. The Heisman Trophy finalist tallied a nation-high 4,903 passing yards and 36 touchdowns while only throwing 11 interceptions.
Propelled forward by Penix’s fantastic play, the Huskies reached the national championship, ultimately falling short to Michigan. For his efforts, Penix was named the Maxwell Award winner, an honor annually presented to the best all-around player in college football.
In comparison, Milroe finished the 2023 campaign with 2,718 passing yards, 23 touchdowns and just six interceptions. He was also a significant threat on the ground, finishing the season with 468 rushing yards and a team-high 12 touchdowns on the ground.
With a little boost from DeBoer, Milroe could become the 49-year-old head coach’s next sensation. DeBoer certainly seems happy with Milroe’s progress thus far.
“He had a great spring,” DeBoer said. “Progressively getting better. He’s had a great summer to this point. His leadership, his character traits, all those things, you’re never going to question those just because it’s who he is.”
“And he’s putting himself out there more and more with the team. He holds himself accountable to a high level, therefore he’s able to hold his teammates and he’s been that guy. I’m proud of him. He’s weathered the storms with the transition here and just done a great job.”
Jalen Milroe won’t have to wait much longer to show off his leadership. On Aug. 31, Milroe will take the field for the first under DeBoer, as Alabama squares off against Western Kentucky at 7 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.
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