Jalen Milroe on who Alabama fans should expect big things from: 'The whole team as a whole'
Nobody’s a bigger advocate for Alabama‘s roster than Jalen Milroe. At the 2024 SEC Media Days, the Crimson Tide’s starting quarterback gave a captivating response when a reporter asked him which of his teammates aren’t receiving enough hype ahead of the season.
“The whole team as a whole,” Milroe said. “This is a team that could’ve went anywhere they wanted to but they stayed grounded. They stayed committed to our team. So, I’d say it’s time to give everybody flowers who’s a part of our 2024 football team because it was difficult.
“It’s been a difficult offseason as far as processing external factors and things we can’t control, necessarily. But, [we’ve been] really refocusing on our goals as a team and staying grounded. So, I’m proud of the guys in the locker room because they could’ve went anywhere they wanted to but they stayed grounded and wanted to do something special with this team.”
While many members of the Crimson Tide decided to return for another season, the team suffered no shortage of losses. Alabama lost 34 players to the transfer portal and 10 players to the NFL this offseason.
Obviously, the motivation behind many of the players’ decisions to leave was legendary head coach Nick Saban retiring. If Milroe ever considered leaving, the temptation didn’t last long. Milroe was one of the first players to endorse new Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer.
Jalen Milroe stands atop Alabama’s talented roster
DeBoer couldn’t ask for a better foundational piece behind center in his debut campaign at the helm of the Crimson Tide. Milroe finished the 2023 season with 2,718 passing yards, 23 touchdowns and just six interceptions.
He was also a significant threat on the ground, amassing 468 rushing yards and a team-high 12 touchdowns on the ground. Fans expect Milroe to take another step forward in the upcoming season. DeBoer has liked what he’s seen this offseason.
“He had a great spring,” DeBoer said. “Progressively getting better. He’s had a great summer to this point. His leadership, his character traits, all those things, you’re never going to question those just because it’s who he is.
“And he’s putting himself out there more and more with the team. He holds himself accountable to a high level, therefore he’s able to hold his teammates and he’s been that guy. I’m proud of him. He’s weathered the storms with the transition here and just done a great job.”