He was identified as one of the nation’s top dual-threat quarterback prospects in Texas for the 2021 recruiting cycle, but Jalen Milroe never classified himself as a running quarterback.
Those who knew him in high school saw an athlete who used his legs to set up opportunities to connect with wide receivers in the passing game. He is one of the fastest players at the University of Alabama, but Milroe learned a lot from watching Bryce Young in 2021 and 2022. He observed how the former five-star commanded the huddle, distributed the ball, and kept plays alive for the Crimson Tide’s offense. Nick Saban wants his quarterbacks to be point guards, not solely playmakers. Alabama fans would like to see Milroe use his athleticism, especially when plays are not there in the passing game, but he wants to be the point guard.
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He explained on Monday how he’s adapted to be a pass-first quarterback, despite his skill set to run.
“My biggest thing is doing what the game plan calls for,” Milroe said.
“I want to master what Coach Rees calls, whether it is passing the ball, handing the ball off, or running, I try to maximize all opportunities I have on the field. It’s funny everyone mentions my running ability, but all I do is throw in the offseason. I do no training when it comes to running. My intent when I’m on the field is to throw the ball because the ball can get there faster than my legs can. When it comes to running, if it happens … it happens. I just try to be a point guard with the football.”
Alabama fans understand what Milroe is saying.
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They watched incredible passing exploits from Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, and Bryce Young for the Tide. They also know the added element of what Milroe’s legs bring to the offense. As games become more challenging, Milroe’s athleticism could be the difference in Alabama having a complete game. An opposing defense may not be able to account for his ability to escape.
The LSU matchup will be an entertaining one, especially with how the Tigers use Harold Perkins.
He’s the most talented edge rusher in the Southeastern Conference.
If LSU has him pressuring Milroe, then he will be pass-first because the Tide will have tight ends helping the offensive line protect him. If Perkins is called to spy on Milroe, he could have a marquee game in the passing attack and pick his moments to run.
Milroe wants to be a complete quarterback — and that is good — but fans are looking to see the whole skill set against LSU.
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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.
