Jalen Milroe describes expectations for Jam Miller in 2024
One of the most exciting aspects of Alabama‘s upcoming season is how the offense will look with offensive mastermind Kalen DeBoer taking over as head coach and filling the big shoes left behind the legendary Nick Saban.
At each of DeBoer’s head coaching stops his offenses have been prolific. Highlighted by supreme strength in the passing game typically complemented by a run game that’s given defenses and coordinators headaches. Now equipped with a new set of weapons as he takes over the Crimson Tide.
The tip of the spear for Alabama’s offense will start with dual-threat quarterback Jalen Milroe, who will also be surrounded by a group of running backs that have a ton of potential entering the season. Including junior Jam Miller, a player that Milroe discussed during SEC Media Days last week in Dallas.
“I’d say he’s hungry, never complacent, a guy that’s very quiet but his success makes noise with how hard he grinds in offseason,” Milroe said. “It’s been special to see him keep working, and putting his head down, and work. Especially now that he’s an upperclassman.”
Miller returns to the Crimson Tide as the team’s leading rusher at running back following Jase McClellan jump to the NFL and Roydell Williams‘ transfer portal departure to Florida State. Giving the former No. 4 ranked running back in the nation (according to the On3 Industry Ranking) a chance to have his quiet work in the shadows come to light in a new way this upcoming season.
“Before he was an underclassman, now he’s an upperclassman. So to see his development, to see how much he loves the game of football, and he’s a Texas kid. So we share something in common,” Milroe added.
The Tyler, Texas native rushed for 223 yards and two touchdowns on 33 carries in his true freshman season with the Crimson Tide. Posting similar production last season with 201 yards and a touchdown on 41 touches, but also caught from passes from Milroe for 73 receiving yards and a touchdown through the air to his stat line.
“But we have a great relationship. Super, super glad that he stayed grounded and continued to get better because he’s doing a really good job for us,” Milroe concluded.
Between Miller and another former top five running back prospect Justice Haynes, Alabama has the potential to maintain their dominance on the ground this upcoming season. But with DeBoer now calling the shots, there’s no telling how Alabama’s exciting backfield and quarterback will be deployed on defenses this upcoming season.