Kalen DeBoer: Jalen Milroe has been 'integral' to Alabama's transition since Nick Saban's retirement

Kalen DeBoer waxed poetic about Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Friday.

The Crimson Tide leader joined the program ahead of Georgia taking their talents on the road to Tuscaloosa in Week 5. One of the questions posed to him was in regards to the how Milroe decided to stay with Alabama after Nick Saban retired, and what it means to DeBoer to have a quarterback of his caliber during his first season on the job.

“(Milroe) and a few of the other (returning players), I think, just really collectively, were integral,” DeBoer stated. “From the quarterback position, as you’re mentioning, it is so important to just kind of know who that guy is.

“He’s had some experience now, last year, where he really went through the fire, and I think, you know, that off season, where he could really have some perspective, take these next steps, it’s been really fun being a part of the journey here over the last nine months with him.”

While Milroe’s athleticism has always been prevalent, his improvement in the passing game has shown thus far in 2024, and that’s what DeBoer wants to continue to see. However, the Crimson Tide leader recognizes what his quarterback’s legs can do for the offense, especially against the Bulldogs.

“It starts with the pass game first,” DeBoer added. “I think it just feels like you recruit skill players, you recruit, you know, running backs, tight ends, receivers, all of those guys to be able to distribute the ball and be a part of an offense that can stretch the field horizontally, vertically. So, you have to be able to get the ball to those guys.

“I think the added element, when you have it, and especially a guy like Jalen, it just really can make you, you know, super hard to defend. Just balancing all of it is the trick, right? Trying to maximize what he can do, but also keep everyone else involved, that’s the balancing act.”

Above all, Milroe’s work-ethic has been the most impressive thing to DeBoer. He’s doing everything he can to lead Alabama to the promise land, after coming so close during the Rose Bowl last season.

“He’s a hard worker,” the Alabama leader explained. “He’s in here 4:30, 4:45 every morning, and just relentless. We talk about the pursuit of continuous improvement, and that is him to a tee. Just every day, bringing his best, smile on his face. He’s here to impact others. He understands his platform, just the role model that you want any son or daughter to look up to, and working alongside of him.

“Just every day he wants to get better, you know, and he’s taking it all in, taking everything we’re throwing at him. It’s a joy every day.”

Kalen DeBoer and Jalen Milroe both came up short in their pursuit of a national title last season, but they’ve joined forces at Alabama to seek revenge. So far, so good, but their biggest test yet will come in Week 5 against Georgia, that’s for sure.