He did not have his No. 1 playmaker last week versus Kentucky, but Jalen Milroe’s right-hand man returned on senior day.
Jermaine Burton, the Crimson Tide’s leader in its wide receiver room, returned to making explosive plays at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Alabama’s home finale versus Chattanooga. An illness kept him out of the matchup against the Wildcats, but the chemistry between Burton and Milroe was on in Tuscaloosa, Ala. The California native had his second 100-yard performance of the season and third of his career at Alabama. Burton totaled a game-high 105 yards receiving — including a 5-yard touchdown — on three catches, helping the Tide to a 66-10 victory over the Mocs. He had two explosive plays of 56 and 44 yards for Alabama’s offense.
Jalen Milroe rips it to ➡️ Jermaine Burton for the TD.
Burton coming up big early in his return to the field.
— Touchdown Alabama (@TDAlabamaMag) November 18, 2023
Burton, a former Georgia transfer, entered the game with 537 yards receiving on 26 catches. He now has 29 receptions for 642 yards and six scores. Burton spoke to reporters after the game about how good he felt to play with his teammates on senior day, and the connection he has with Milroe. The native Texan looks to Burton a lot when it comes to marquee plays on offense.
RELATED: How the matchup versus Chattanooga showed bright future for Alabama’s RB room
“We have come far,” Burton said about the growth of his and Milroe’s communication. “We have always had chemistry since day one. J. Mil and I have always had a connection even when Bryce was the guy. He is my locker buddy right now. We make a lot of jokes every day before and after practice. We talk outside of football. We’ve always had chemistry, but it has been repetition.”
Burton said he always knew Milroe had great confidence in himself as a player.
“In the media, you guys don’t see him in practice every day,” Burton said.
“He’s working 100 percent and gives his all to practice every day. He puts in the work every day, and he’s always been a player with high confidence. He knows what his abilities are, and I’m happy he has the chance to show everything.”
The growth of Milroe has been a fascinating story all season. He and Burton look to torch Auburn next week in the Iron Bowl.
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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
