Jalen Milroe explains how he learned from the Alabama quarterbacks that came before him

Jalen Milroe recognizes the opportunity he’s enjoying as the starting quarterback for the Alabama Crimson Tide. 

Over the last few seasons, being the quarterback for Alabama has meant a shot to become a real player at the NFL level. From Tua Tagovailoa to Jalen Hurts, Mac Jones and Bryce Young, Milroe wants to be the next in that impressive line.

Speaking with the media ahead of Monday’s College Football Playoff Semifinal between the Crimson Tide and the Michigan Wolverines, Milroe elaborated on how he’s learned from the Alabama quarterbacks that have come before him, and have showed him the path he wants to follow.

“First of all, as quarterbacks, all we want to do is play to the standard, which is the ‘Bama standard at Alabama. Coach Saban did a great job with each of those quarterbacks and developing and getting them to where they ultimately want to go,” Milroe said. “For me, with those guys the best thing I can do is soak up as much information as possible because they did things the right way when they wore the A. For me, I just try to continuously be better at my craft and be the best version I can be for my team.

“Coach Saban has done a really good job with each of those quarterbacks and developing them and getting them to where they ultimately want to go.”

Alas, Milroe’s numbers have improved drastically over the season, and he’s gained the requisite respect due to it. On the season, the Alabama star has 2,718 yards, 23 touchdowns, six interceptions, a 65.5% completion percentage, 468 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns.

His trajectory has many excited, including ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit, who raved about him earlier last week on SportsCenter.

“I think you have to be impressed with what Tommy Rees has done with Jalen Milroe. You have to be impressed with the numbers,” Herbstreit said. “His interceptions are way down. He’s playing with as much confidence as I think any quarterback in the country. His ability to escape is huge. It’s obvious it’s been a difference maker for him. But the great thing in the way I think he’s grown, from where he was earlier in the year against Texas, when they lost and he got benched and came back, is I think they found a plan now where he reads half the field, the ball is out much quicker.

“I feel like he’s working through his progressions, and trusting that. The only time he really bails is if his reads are completely taken away. But you can see him settle in. He’s got a great arm. Best ball that he throws is the deep ball.”

If Jalen Milroe continues his upward improvement, who knows how high his ceiling is. The future is bright for the Crimson Tide quarterback.