Nick Saban encouraged by progress of Jalen Milroe, Ty Simpson

The Alabama Crimson Tide are set at the quarterback position with Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young returning for this season. So, with that being the case, while looking ahead to the Crimson Tide’s spring game, head coach Nick Saban addressed the progress made by his two young signal-callers, Jalen Milroe, and Ty Simpson.

“You know, Jalen is doing some really good things. I really am encouraged by the progress that he’s made. He makes a lot of plays. I think that you know he had a couple interceptions today that really weren’t his fault. I mean he threw the ball they hit the guy in the hands; it pops up and somebody intercepts it. So, you know, if you look at the statistics you’ll say well the quarterback threw an interception or two. But really wasn’t his fault. So I think you have to be careful on how you analyze and make sure that you’re looking at what that individual needs to do to continue to get better. And he’s got a much better command of the offense. He’s much more confident; I think he makes a lot better decisions because of the confidence and the knowledge and experience that he has, said Saban.

Milroe is the more experienced of the two after the redshirted freshman backed up Young last season. He featured in four games for the Crimson Tide, completing three of his seven pass attempts for 41 yards and one touchdown. He also showed off his mobility rushing the ball 15 times for 57 yards.

Saban on Simpson in spring practices

Simpson is a true freshman who was playing high school ball last season in Tennessee. According to On3’s consensus player rating, he ranked 22 overall in the 2022 class and is the number one overall quarterback. And according to Saban, the youngster is primed and ready to compete.

“Now Ty’s a young guy. He’s really conscientious, really trying to learn. But you know just needs to continue to get more and more opportunities in practice. So that he can gain the confidence that he needs to be able to go out there and play. But I’m encouraged by the progress both of those guys are making.”

Both Milroe and Simpson will see the field in the Crimson Tide’s upcoming spring game. Alabama’s Spring game, known as the A-Day game, is set to kick off Saturday, April 16th at 2:00 PM CT. And you can catch all the exciting action on the SEC Network+.