Deontae Lawson reveals conversation with Jalen Milroe following Texas loss

Following a clean sweep of all of the SEC opponents they faced, the Alabama Crimson Tide will now take on their tallest task of the season this Saturday when they play the defending back-to-back national champion Georgia Bulldogs.

There was plenty of doubt surrounding Alabama early in the season, particularly surrounding their quarterback Jalen Milroe following the team’s loss to Texas in Week 2 where he threw two interceptions and was sacked five times in a 10-point defeat at home.

Milroe has come full circle since then, seemingly improving week after week and becoming the engine of Alabama’s offense. Crimson Tide linebacker Deontae Lawson always knew Milroe was capable of his current success, even during his low moments of the season, which he revealed during the SEC Championship Game Student-Athlete Teleconference on Monday.

“Jalen Milroe’s a guy I came in with, I’ve never doubted J Mil,” Lawson said. “Even after the Texas game when we lost I kind of met with him alone and just told him I believe in him and just keep having faith and you will be the guy.”

Lawson had faith even when it seemed like the faith of Alabama’s coaching staff was wavering regarding Milroe, choosing to not play him following his performance against Texas when the Crimson Tide faced South Florida.

Quarterbacks Tyler Buchner and Ty Simpson both had disappointing performances in Alabama’s bizarre 17-3 win over the Bulls, with Milroe being named the team’s starter moving forward following the game.

The rest is now history, as Milroe led Alabama to nine straight wins following the USF game behind his 2,965 total yards through the air and the ground along with 33 total touchdowns on the season. He’s now established himself as one of the most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks in the nation, but Lawson believes his leadership is what really separates him from the pack.

“His leadership is unmatched, he’s just a great teammate,” Lawson said. “His personality is great, he’s always smiling, always getting people in better moods, but when it’s time to work he’s serious about his business and he prepares like no one else and I think that’s what makes him elite.”

Milroe’s latest achievement was his 31-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Bond on a fourth and goal play against Auburn with 32 seconds left in the game that gave the Crimson Tide a 27-24 over their rival in unforgettable fashion. And if he can lead to Alabama to yet another win on Saturday versus the Bulldogs, there’s no question that his name will continue to be etched positively in the Crimson Tide history books despite his slow start to the season.