Jalen Milroe addresses pressure of being Alabama's quarterback
Jalen Milroe recently completed his first season as Alabama‘s starting quarterback, a title that may come with more pressure and expectations than any other job for a player in the college football landscape.
After a slow start to the season Milroe got comfortable in the role and excelled, but even through the highs and lows of being the Crimson Tide signal caller he’s never lost sight of the significance of the role he plays in.
“You’re held to a high standard being a quarterback at Alabama,” Milroe said. “I wear it with pride, you know? That is something that always don’t forget is that, you know, I have a lot of pride wearing the A because it means a lot in the resources behind wearing the A, it sets you up for your next 40 after college.”
Milroe clearly has a big picture perspective on the position he’s in, following in the footsteps of other Crimson Tide greats who’ve excelled on and off the field and helped lead Alabama to championship success.
“And so, that is something that was important for me through the recruiting process to now be able to be the starting quarterback at the University of Alabama’s a true blessing. And I’m so proud of that. And that don’t go unnoticed, you know?” Milroe asked rhetorically. “And that’s something I try to harp on the guys in the locker room that realize where you’re at. And don’t take it for granted, you know, because we’re blessed to be in the situation we’re in right now.”
Milroe made the most of his situation last season for Alabama, earning the starting quarterback job coming out of fall camp that seemingly became an open competition following some underwhelming play at the position through the first three weeks of the season.
He was named the starter again to open SEC play and never looked back, leading the Crimson Tide to an undefeated record in conference play capped off with an SEC Championship win over Georgia and a birth in the College Football Playoff. Ending the season with 2,834 passing yards, 531 rushing yards, and 35 total touchdowns.
“But for me to be a quarterback here, you know, I enjoy every single day, even when challenges come. You know, it’s a good thing to have challenges because you know, it’s gonna set me up for my future,” Milroe said.
As he enters his second season as Crimson Tide starter under center the expectations will only rise for Milroe, who early in the offseason is tied for the best odds to take home the Heisman Trophy at +750. But regardless of how next season goes for the Katy, Texas native, he’ll surely never take for granted being Alabama’s starting quarterback.