As Alabama prepares for the 2022 season, like always it has a number of positions to address before the fall. But the quarterback certainly doesn’t fall into that category.
The Crimson Tide returns the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young who was instrumental in helping the team win the SEC and make it to the national championship game. Although Young doesn’t need to be looking over his shoulder at any point in the near future, the quarterback behind him continues to progress well nonetheless.
Redshirt freshman Jalen Milroe won’t be taking any snaps away from Young but he will be serving as the most important reserve on Alabama’s roster which makes his development that much more integral. Following Alabama’s first scrimmage of spring football on Saturday, head coach Nick Saban shared his thoughts on Milroe’s performance and where he currently stands as a prospect.
“I thought Jalen Milroe has made really consistent strides and he did some good things today,” Saban said. “He actually moved the team. We always give the second guy an opportunity with the first team, and he moved the team down the field pretty effectively. I think he’s got a better understanding of what we’re doing. He’s getting a little more consistent in his ability to execute.”
Milroe was a part of the 2021 recruiting cycle and after Paul Tyson opted to transfer to Arizona State he became the second string option. In his limited appearances during the 2021 season, Milroe passed for 41 yards on seven pass attempts including a touchdown. But what sets him apart as a player is his mobility which he displayed by rushing for 57 yards on 15 carries last year.
Coming in behind Milroe is true freshman Ty Simpson who is another impressive young player joining the Crimson Tide. Simpson decided to practice with the team during its playoff run last year to get ahead on learning the system.
Even with the head start on his career at Alabama, Simpson is still adjusting the college speed but Saban and the coaching staff are pleased with where he’s at.
“Ty is a young guy, a freshman, he’s got a lot of promise and a lot of upside,” Saban said. “He’s a smart guy who works hard at it. Everything’s pretty fast for him right now, but we’re not at all disappointed in the progress that he’s making.”
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Patrick Dowd is a Reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via Pat_Dowd77
