Jalen Milroe opens up on overcoming doubters to lead Alabama to great season
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe is undoubtedly one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the country after leading the Crimson Tide to an undefeated record versus SEC opponents and a date with the top-ranked Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC Championship game this Saturday. But that wasn’t always the case.
Alabama’s offseason was highlighted by their quarterback competition between Milroe, Ty Simpson, and Tyler Buchner. And through the first three weeks of the season, the vibes in Tuscaloosa were definitely a lot different than they are now with Milroe being the engine of their improved offense.
“Seems like a dream, not always a good dream, but a dream that I never quit believing would become a reality,” Milroe told ESPN. “From where I was, the way I was doubted — and even some people in this building [Alabama’s football complex] doubted me — it truly blows my mind to where it’s all led to, and the best part, where it’s led to for our team.”
After being named the starter to begin the regular season and posting five touchdowns against Middle Tennessee State in Alabama’s opener, Milroe threw two interceptions and was sacked five times in Alabama’s 10-point loss to Texas at home. Leading to him being benched in the Crimson Tide’s next game versus South Florida as coaches evaluated what Simpson and Buchner could potentially bring to the table.
“I was told I would never be the starting quarterback at Alabama,” Milroe said. “I’ve been told I was not smart enough to play the position. I’ve been told everything. Even when I was named the starter at the beginning of the season, I don’t think a lot of people thought I would keep it, and if I did, that we were going to have a bad season. So, yes, I’ve faced a lot of obstacles. The main thing is the right people believed in me, here at Alabama and within my family, and I remained grounded in believing in who I am.
“That takes you a long way.”
Following disappointing performances from both reserve quarterbacks in a bizarre 17-3 win over USF the rest is history, as Milroe would take the reigns of Alabama’s offense moving forward.
Milroe led the Crimson Tide to a nine-game winning streak behind his 2,526 yards through the air, 439 yards on the ground, and 33 total touchdowns on the season. And will now be looking to build on his impressive season and even more impressive story this Saturday as Alabama faces Georgia at 4:00 p.m. ET in the SEC Championship game in Atlanta.