Alabama’s quarterback makes comparison between Kalen DeBoer and Nick Saban

Growing up in Houston, Texas, Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe attended Michael Vick’s youth football clinics.

On Saturday, at Tuscaloosa’s Hillcrest High School, he had his own race.

Milroe hosted his first football camp for children aged 6 to 18. He was then asked what he hoped the young people would take away from their experiences.

“They can aspire to achieve all that they want to achieve,” he remarked. “But also enjoy the process. Having enjoyment while playing the game they enjoy.”

Milroe, dressed in a white t-shirt with the name of the camp in Crimson, was given a megaphone as campers swarmed him with questions. One questioned about his feelings on former Alabama head coach Nick Saban’s recent retirement (he was delighted for the coach to enjoy it), why he came to Alabama (to leave home and compete against the best), who his idols were as a kid (his parents), and more.

Milroe was asked by reporters about Saban’s long-term legacy after 17 years with the Crimson Tide. He expressed enormous delight in having been one of Saban’s quarterbacks.

“Coach Saban was a key resource in me coming here and I don’t take it for granted, having him as my coach,” Milroe said in a statement. “To have the opportunity to be coached under coach Saban meant a lot to me and I’m super excited for him.”

Milroe promptly proclaimed his intention to remain for a fourth season in Tuscaloosa when Kalen DeBoer was hired as Saban’s replacement at Alabama. DeBoer’s system has benefited other quarterbacks, notably Washington’s Michael Penix, who became a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2023.

Milroe expressed excitement about playing for the Crimson Tide’s new leader.

“The biggest thing for a football team is you want to improve and get better the next season,” Milroe said in a statement. “We’re in that process right now, with trying to be a better version of ourselves each and every day going into the facility, so we’re gonna do a lot of good things this year and I’m super excited to have him here.”

Milroe also commended DeBoer’s relationship with the other Alabama players.

“It’s been great,” the quarterback added. “It’s been fantastic to have him here during the changeover, but having him here with all that he’s done has been especially significant. He’s really friendly and brings a positive atmosphere to the locker room, so we’re all pleased to have him here.”