share
tweet
share
share
The University of Alabama is returning to quarterback competition for the first time since 2014.
No one knows who has the advantage between Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson, but spring training begins Monday. Both guys are talented; But who is better suited to lead the program to a national championship? Crimson Tide fans want that question answered at either spring training or fall camp. This year’s spring game will be entertaining, but it’s time to discuss why Milroe is a viable option to win the job. The Texan native is entering his third year as a former four-star player in the 2021 signing class.
Experience in hard SEC games
Milroe had live action against Arkansas and Texas A&M last season.
It was at the expense of Bryce Young, who injured his shoulder, but Milroe gained some experience against two tough defences.
He stabilized the offense against the Razorbacks with 156 yards (91 rushing, 65 passing) and two touchdowns in a 49-26 win for the Crimson Tide. People are talking about his mistakes against the Aggies, yet Milroe notched three touchdown passes in a 24-20 win at Bryant-Denny Stadium. He’ll learn to take better care of the football, but Nick Saban appreciates his quarterback’s marquee experience. Milroe gets that from herself and can draw from it in the Spring Ball.
elite athletics
Milroe is one of the fastest players on Alabama’s team.
The 6-foot-2, 220-pounder has explosiveness as a runner. He possesses the ability to run past and through defenders. Milroe showed those skills against Arkansas with a 77-yard sprint downfield. He dodged linebacker bumper pool and accelerated down the sideline. Milroe could have scored if a defender hadn’t caught him from behind inside the 5-yard line.
His mobility makes him a nightmare for defenders, linebackers, and defenders alike.
The production of Tommy Rees with mobile QBs
Blake Sims wasn’t the popular choice for Alabama’s starting quarterback in 2014, but Lane Kiffin helped him.
Tommy Rees has a chance to help Milroe prove his doubters.
The 30-year-old mentored signal callers to success at Notre Dame who weren’t as talented as Milroe. Ian Book had mobility in his game, and Rees pushed him to lead the Fighting Irish to the college football playoffs a couple of times. Rees took Jack Coan, a transfer from Indiana, and propelled him to have his best season as a quarterback in 2021. Drew Pyne threw for 22 touchdowns to six interceptions in 2022 as Notre Dame went 9-4. Brandon Wimbush was the quarterback in 2017 when Rees served as quarterback coach. He led Wimbush to 30 total touchdowns, including 16 touchdown passes to six picks.
Kiffin changed the game of the Sims a bit, which made it a success. Rees can potentially do the same for Milroe.
CClick here to follow the Bama Elite Podcast
*Get the BEST football insider info, access to news forums and Alabama recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber-only content!*
Stephen M. Smith is the editor-in-chief and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
Source : tdalabamamag.com