Jalen Milroe is a dynamic athlete, and the Alabama quarterback led his team to a conference title in 2023.
He became a first-year starter last season, totaling 2,834 passing yards and 35 touchdowns under Tommy Rees. Rees, who spent one season as Alabama’s offensive coordinator, is now in the National Football League. He did some good things with Milroe; however, he failed to do the one thing that would have unlocked more of Milroe’s potential to be a nightmare for defenses.
RELATED: Alabama fans react to massive 4-star OL committing for 2025 class
Alabama did not have enough design runs to keep opponent guessing. Rees had it in the Crimson Tide’s game plan versus Louisiana State University and Kentucky, but it was not consistent. Milroe is more athletic than Michael Penix Jr., so Kalen DeBoer and Nick Sheridan have an opportunity to use more quarterback runs. If they can effectively get him going between the tackles and on the perimeter, it makes the Tide’s rushing attack of Justice Haynes, Jam Miller, and Richard Young even better.
Milroe on design runs could also open up the passing attack more. Defenses will become so conscious of him running that he extends plays with his arm. Alabama could have four 1,000-yard wide receivers in the fall with the talent it has.
Milroe’s athleticism opens up so much for the offense to be explosive. The Tide should be able to do so many things well that is frustrates defenses. We will see if DeBoer unlocks more design runs for Milroe for this season.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber-only content!*
Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
