Jalen Milroe is back on track! After Alabama’s victory over the Georgia Bulldogs, the redshirt junior quarterback had a few rough weeks. Because of his impressive performance against their strongest opponent, the Bulldogs, he became the top Heisman watch. Did he take three weeks to make a comeback? However late, then never. The captain needed a good performance against No. 21 Missouri to come out of his comfort zone and help Alabama build the momentum again.
As a redshirt, Milroe has the option to declare for the NFL draft after this season. But will he return to the Crimson Tide next season? Before that, the big question is: Can he lead Alabama football to a college football playoff as the starting quarterback? In the recent episode of the New Wave Podcast, he shed light on his responsibilities as a leader. However, as he shares his experience, Klane DeBoer’s other key player, Ryan Williams, mocks him for his role.
After witnessing Milroe’s performance this season, many experts, football insiders and recruiting channels believe that Milroe is one of the top five quarterbacks for next year’s NFL Draft. Milroe takes tremendous pride in representing Alabama. It’s something he doesn’t take lightly at all. Did you know he is captain for the second year? Talking about his role, he said, “It’s reflecting our football team and anytime I get this talk about Alabama or talk about our program, I want to do it in the best lighting possible and also lead by example in a proper manner and so you know, being a quarterback number one, you know it’s a leadership role that you embrace upon taking a first snap.”
So far this season, the captain has thrown for 1937 yards, rushed for 380 yards and scored a total of 25 touchdowns. But he has also thrown for six interceptions. Are you aware that he made history by becoming the first player at the University of Alabama to achieve both 25 career passing touchdowns and 24 rushing touchdowns?
He further shed light on significant responsibility that requires constant growth and development, especially in his position. “You know it’s a leadership role that you constantly have to develop to be successful at the position but to be a captain, you know, is definitely something you don’t take lightly at all and, um, you know, when you’re a captain, you just reflect all the guys in the locker room and everyone that’s part of the Alabama football team and so to have an opportunity to be the captain for year two is definitely a unique honor.” After Nick Saban left Alabama, the university saw losses, ups, and downs. Considering the scenario, his experience and dedication are crucial.
As soon as Milroe ended his specch, DeBoer’s 17-year-old rising talent did not hold back and poked fun at the length of the speech. ” I don’t know guys, I think he’s the captain,” Willaims said. However, he also appreciated Milroe and added, “But we appreciate you for real you do leave by his and you do everything you do everything the right way hey you know, we just want to be like you We aspire to be like you real real talk real talk.”
Willaims comments underscore the importance of leadership in fostering a strong team culture. As they move ahead in the season, having a captain like Milroe, who leads by example, is crucial for maintaining morale and motivation within the team. Can we see his aggression against LSU?
Jalen Milroe emerges as a complete quarterback and leader
Milroe completed 16 out of 26 passes for 215 yards against Missouri, which helped the Tide win by 34-0. He also rushed for 50 yards and recorded a 9-yard touchdown.
DeBoer believes that he is a valuable asset for the Tide on the field. “I didn’t want to jump the gun, but I just really felt like that the last couple of weeks, and it started with the Wisconsin game, where he got into a little bit of rhythm and made those plays. … It doesn’t mean he’s perfect, but man, he’s a weapon out there and he’s doing it both through the air and with his feet.”
As of now, Alabama is enjoying their bye week but they cannot rest for long, as we all know their CFB is heating up and their next game is against LSU. While Alabama is preparing for their next game, watch the latest episode of Essentially Sports’ “The Think Tank,” hosted by Trey Holder.
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Debate
Can Jalen Milroe's leadership carry Alabama to the college football playoffs this season?