Jalen Milroe was not the clear cut favorite to be Alabama’s starting quarterback in the summer.
He did not separate from the pack in spring practice, but the sophomore took the summer to improve his passing mechanics, leadership, and overall style to become a complete player. Milroe was the first quarterback to play at Bryant-Denny Stadium to open the season against Middle Tennessee State. He totaled five touchdowns versus the Blue Raiders; however, the native Texan has shown growth in each of the last three weeks. Milroe provided leadership against South Florida — despite not playing — and displayed consistency to stay in the pocket to make throws versus Ole Miss. He showed the ability to complete intermediate passes in a 40-17 victory over Mississippi State. Milroe has a chance to put his name into the Heisman conversation if he dominates one of the best defenses in college football. He returns home to Texas to face Jimbo Fisher and Texas A&M.
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Nick Saban is ‘happy’ about Milroe’s development, but he’s not ‘satisfied.’ He knows Milroe is capable of more.
Saban broke down Milroe’s latest stage of development ahead of the Aggies matchup on the Pat McAfee Show.
“I think we have had to make Subtle changes to feature things that he can do, which I think he’s responded to very well,” Saban said. “And I think our entire offense has responded to. I do think he’s getting more and more comfortable and confident in the passing game, anticipating things, getting the ball of his handle a little quicker. And of course, his ability and his athleticism to create plays is really a tremendous asset and puts a lot of pressure on the defense. So, I’m happy with the progress that we’ve made, not satisfied with where we can and want to be.”
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Milroe knows he needs a marquee performance against Texas A&M. He may have to throw for 300+ yards to offset the Aggies defense to open up the rushing attack. We will see how his rises to the ocassion on Saturday at College Station, Texas.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
