Jalen Milroe shows off his skills for Team White at A-Day
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama fans always think about the future.
That’s why recruitment is so important – it’s a look at the future of the program. This is why day A is so important. This is your chance to get a first look at these new guys.
On Saturday, the spotlight was on quarterback Jalen Milroe. Everyone knows what Bryce Young can do. His talent was on display in 2021, and it earned him a Heisman trophy.
With all eyes on Milroe, Young’s replacement, the redshirt freshman didn’t disappoint.
Milroe was 11-for-23 for 149 yards and a touchdown in leading Team White to a 25-7 victory over Team Crimson on Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Milroe led the White team on five scoring drives (four field goals, one touchdown), including one where he hit Christian Leary for a 52-yard touchdown pass.
“We were especially aware that we weren’t going to do the things he can do in the spring,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said. “We were going to run him on offense to try and make him a better passer, have better pocket presence, cover reader. I think he’s made progress in those areas.”
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The substitute QB had his struggles, knocking Leary down on a pass that resulted in an interception. He also missed a few other shots.
A-Day work was essential for Milroe, who saw limited action in 2021. He played in four games and was 3 of 7 for 41 yards and a touchdown. He also showed his versatility, going for 57 yards on 15 attempts.
“You can see after being in the system for a year that it’s starting to come into its own,” Young said. “He makes the right checks, makes the right choices. You’ve obviously seen how explosive he is in the running game by making plays with his legs. I think he’s developed a lot this spring and he showed it a lot today.”
He wasn’t able to fully show his wheels on Saturday due to no-contact rules for quarterbacks, but he still had 32 yards.
“Jalen can make plays when he directs the ball, and he did today,” Saban said. “He also made good shots.
True freshman Ty Simpson went 5 of 12 for 43 yards as a third-string quarterback.
“For a guy who’s only been here since the spring, I think he made some good plays,” Saban said. “He’s a conscientious, hard-working guy. Preparation is important to quarterback development and (Milroe and Simpson) did a good job all spring.”