Jalen Milroe joined ESPN’s Jay Williams and Karl Ravech courtside Wednesday night during Alabama’s basketball game against No. 8 Auburn.
The Alabama quarterback has been to a couple of game, he said.
“We have one of the best atmospheres in the country,” Milroe said of Coleman Coliseum.
Thanks to an early stoppage in play due to a lighting issue, the ESPN crew got an extended interview with the Tide quarterback.
Here’s what he had to say. The questions and answers have been condensed for clarity.
What does Alabama-Auburn mean to an Alabama player?
“I will say it is a special history that comes with playing in the Iron Bowl. One hundred percent. No matter what sport it is, there’s great energy and it comes from a historic background. One thing, having a first-hand experience, it’s unbelievable. It’s something I’ll always remember the rest of my life. It’s a special game. It’s a special moment. It’s something you will carry forever.”
Have you connected with new football coach Kalen DeBoer?
“I’m big on relationships. Something I try to do. Just really get to know my new head coach, and he’s done a really good job with the squad. He brings a good energy to the building. I’m super happy to have him here.”
What was his reaction to Alabama basketball coach Nate Oats calling out his guys?
“One thing (former Alabama) coach (Nick) Saban taught our football team this past season was to embrace the hard. That’s a challenge you really have to take firsthand and really try to embrace it but also face it in the face and rise through it. Biggest thing you have to do is face everything and rise. … That’s a big challenge that coach Oats has for our basketball team, but the team should also look at it as a learning experience as well.”
Do you want to be coached hard?
“No doubt. I want them to get the best out of me. You know what I’m saying? The biggest thing is to be a sponge for all information. The coaches want the best out of you. Their job is to coach us but also get the best out of each player. With them coaching hard, they see something in you.”
He added, “It’s a problem if a coach isn’t yelling at you.”
What does your future hold?
“I’m coming back for my senior year. The thing for me is to set short-term goals and long-term goals. The biggest thing is they are all achievable. With everything, you have to embrace it. You have to surround yourself with a supporting cast, and I have surrounded myself with a great supporting cast. They uplift me and put me in a position to be successful.”
What’s the conversation been like with DeBoer?
“It’s two things. Trust the process and believe. That’s something we’re going to do right now. Right now, we’re in January. So everything is about where your feet are. We’re not looking at the end goal. We’re not looking at the top of the mountain. We’re looking at where we are at right now. Right now, it’s about the relationship aspect of this football team, whether it is knowing our teammates or knowing our coach. That’s something we need to have in the locker room, which is constantly try to grow our relationship and constantly believe in what the coaches have given us.”
Thoughts on Longhorns and if they were where they are now, would his decision have been different?
“They have a great program. Coach (Steve) Sark(isian) doing a great job with that group. Being from Texas, it was definitely a school I grew up watching. For me, you have a plan for everything. Part of my plan wasn’t to go to Texas, be here at Alabama. I have to maximize all my opportunity here and seize it. They will a lot of good things in the future.”
How will you maximize your skill set (arm and legs)?
“The biggest thing in the offseason is you look at strengths and weaknesses from the last season. That is something I’m already doing. I want to grow and be the best quarterback I can be for the University of Alabama and the state of Alabama. The biggest thing right now is turning all weaknesses into strengths and make all strengths stronger. By time Game 1 gets here, I’ll be ready to go and that comes from the offseason grind. It’s about maximizing all the opportunities, so every time I come into the building I will try and be the best Jalen Milroe I can be.”
Of the four NFL teams left, which do you want to play with and why?
“I’m trying to get there. That’s my ultimate goal, but I’m a big (Baltimore quarterback) Lamar (Jackson) fan. I love Lamar and what he does. I also like (49ers quarterback) Brock Purdy. I like (Chiefs QB) Patrick Mahomes, then I like (Lions QB) Jared Goff.”
What does Alabama QB feel like compared to what you thought it would be?
“You’re held to a high standard being the quarterback at Alabama. I wear it with pride. That is something that I always don’t forget, that I have a lot of pride wearing the ‘A’ because it means a lot. The resources behind the ‘A’ sets you up for your next 40. That was something that was important for me in the recruiting process. To be the starting quarterback at Alabama is truly a blessing and I’m so proud of it. … I enjoy every single day even when challenges come.”