Jalen Milroe Shares Early Conversations with Kalen DeBoer

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama's basketball game against Auburn got out to an unusual start with technical difficulties causing a lengthy delay just 30 seconds into the game. However, the lighting delay allowed the broadcast on ESPN an extended opportunity to interview Jalen Milroe.

Alabama's returning starting quarterback has been one of the outspoken players about sticking with the Crimson Tide after Nick Saban's retirement announcement. On the ESPN broadcast, Milroe shared some of the first things that new head coach Kalen DeBoer has been focusing on with the team.

"It’s two things: trust the process, and believe," Milroe said. "That’s something that we’re going to do right now. Right now, we’re just in January. It’s everything about being 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’re at right now. And right now it’s about the relationship aspect of this where it’s knowing our teammates and then knowing our coach. That’s something we have to have in our locker room is constantly trying to grow our relationship and constantly trying to believe in everything that the coaching staff is giving us."

Last season, Milroe threw for 2,834 yards and 23 touchdowns with another 531 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground. He was voted a permanent team captain by his teammates. His leadership has been important in keeping players at Alabama since Saban retired.

Milroe said the resources Alabama provides and what it means to wear the script A are some of the reasons he plays for the Crimson Tide.

"Being able to be the quarterback at the University of Alabama is a true blessing, and I feel proud of it," Milroe said on the broadcast. "That doesn’t go unnoticed, and that’s something I try to harp on with the guys in the locker room is, realize where you’re at and don’t take it for granted because we’re blessed to be in the situation we’re in right now. So for me to be a quarterback here, I enjoy it every single day."