Jalen Milroe, born on December 13, 2002, in Katy, Texas, is a name that has been synonymous with Alabama football for the past few years. From his high school days as a dynamic dual-threat quarterback to his impressive career at the University of Alabama, Milroe’s rise in college football has been nothing short of remarkable. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 217 pounds, he has the physical attributes and skillset that have made him an exciting prospect for professional football. In this article, we will explore his journey, statistics, and the milestones that have shaped his career, culminating in his decision to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Early Life and High School Career
High School Beginnings: A Star in Katy, Texas
Milroe attended Tompkins High School in Katy, Texas, where he quickly established himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the state. As a junior, he passed for 2,689 yards and 29 touchdowns, along with rushing for 378 yards and 8 touchdowns. These impressive stats caught the attention of college scouts across the country. Milroe’s ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs made him a dual-threat quarterback, a characteristic that would define his playing style throughout his career.
His senior year was just as impressive, as he passed for 1,136 yards and 13 touchdowns, helping his team to victory after victory. Over his high school career, Milroe accumulated over 3,825 passing yards, 559 rushing yards, and 53 total touchdowns. His high school performance set the stage for his recruitment to one of the most prestigious college football programs in the nation—The University of Alabama.
The Recruiting Process: Choosing Alabama
Milroe initially committed to the University of Texas but later decommitted and chose to play for Alabama. This decision was not surprising, considering Alabama’s reputation for developing top-tier quarterbacks and competing for national championships. Milroe’s athleticism, strong arm, and playmaking ability made him a perfect fit for Alabama’s high-powered offense, which often relies on a quarterback who can do damage both in the pocket and on the move.
College Career at Alabama
2021 Season: A Freshman Year of Learning
Milroe’s journey at Alabama began in 2021 when he joined the Crimson Tide as a freshman. In his inaugural season, he was a backup to quarterback Bryce Young, who would later go on to win the Heisman Trophy. Milroe appeared in four games during his freshman season, completing three passes on seven attempts for 41 yards and a touchdown. Though his appearances were limited, they provided valuable experience for the young quarterback, who was adjusting to the pace and complexity of college football.
Milroe also showcased his running ability in his freshman season, rushing for 57 yards on 15 carries. Although his opportunities were few, his raw talent was evident, and he was expected to play a more significant role in future seasons.
2022 Season: A Stepping Stone
In the 2022 season, Milroe’s role continued to grow as he spent more time in games as a backup. The Spring Game, in which he completed 11 passes for 149 yards and a touchdown, demonstrated his progress and potential as a quarterback. Milroe’s first major test came when he stepped in as a relief quarterback for Bryce Young, who was injured during Alabama’s game against Arkansas. Milroe excelled in his brief appearance, rushing for a touchdown and throwing for another as Alabama defeated Arkansas 49-26.
Milroe made his first career start the following week against Texas A&M, and he delivered an impressive performance. He threw for three touchdowns in a 24–20 win, showcasing his ability to lead Alabama’s offense in a pressure-packed situation. His performance solidified his place as one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC, and it was clear that Milroe had a bright future ahead of him at Alabama.
2023 Season: Stepping Into the Spotlight
In 2023, Milroe’s time had come. He was named Alabama’s starting quarterback, taking over the reins from Bryce Young. Milroe started all 13 games for the Crimson Tide and played a pivotal role in Alabama’s 11–2 season. He displayed significant improvement in his passing game, completing 65.8% of his passes (187 completions on 284 attempts) for 2,834 yards, 23 touchdowns, and only 6 interceptions. His ability to minimize turnovers while making explosive plays downfield was a key factor in Alabama’s success.
Milroe’s dual-threat ability was also on full display during the 2023 season. He rushed for 531 yards on 161 carries, averaging 3.3 yards per carry, and scored 12 rushing touchdowns. His ability to make plays with his legs added a new dimension to Alabama’s offense, making it difficult for opposing defenses to predict and contain him.
His performance in 2023 earned him a second-team All-SEC selection and a sixth-place finish in the Heisman Trophy voting, affirming his status as one of the top quarterbacks in the nation.
2024 Season: A Senior Year of Consistency
The 2024 season marked Milroe’s senior year, and he once again demonstrated his skillset as Alabama’s starting quarterback. He led the Crimson Tide to a 9–4 record, showcasing his ability to carry the team throughout the season. Milroe completed 64.3% of his passes (205 completions on 319 attempts) for 2,844 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. While his passing numbers were solid, it was his rushing ability that continued to be the hallmark of his play.
Milroe rushed 168 times for 726 yards, averaging 4.3 yards per carry, and scored 20 rushing touchdowns. His impressive performance as a dual-threat quarterback helped keep Alabama competitive in a tough SEC landscape. Although Alabama fell short of reaching the College Football Playoff in 2024, Milroe’s performance did not go unnoticed, as he cemented his place as one of the top quarterbacks in college football.
Career Statistics
Over his four-year college career, Milroe accumulated a total of 6,016 passing yards and 1,577 rushing yards. He threw for 45 touchdowns and rushed for 33 touchdowns, making him one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in Alabama’s storied history. His dual-threat capabilities were crucial in Alabama’s offensive scheme, and his ability to make plays both in the air and on the ground left a lasting impression on coaches, teammates, and fans alike.
Passing Stats: Solid Numbers Across the Board
Milroe finished his college career with 6,016 passing yards, completing 394 of 610 passes (64.5%) for 45 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. His career passer rating stands at 156.8, which reflects his efficiency and ability to make key throws in critical moments. Milroe’s passing game, though not as prolific as some of his peers, was more than capable of leading Alabama to victories when needed.
Rushing Stats: The Dual-Threat Element
As a rusher, Milroe recorded 1,577 rushing yards on 394 carries, averaging 4.0 yards per carry. He scored 33 rushing touchdowns during his career, making him one of the top rushing quarterbacks in college football during his time at Alabama. Milroe’s ability to break free from defenders and make explosive plays on the ground made him a constant threat to opposing defenses, who had to account for his ability to pass and run.
Transition to the NFL
After completing his college career, Milroe declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. His physical attributes and dual-threat abilities make him a potential asset for NFL teams looking for a quarterback who can contribute in both the passing game and the running game. His performance at the NFL Combine further solidified his place as a top prospect, as he impressed scouts with his athleticism and arm strength.
NFL Combine Performance: Showing Off His Skills
At the NFL Combine, Milroe was expected to showcase his athleticism, including his 40-yard dash time, which many believed would be under 4.4 seconds. His impressive hand span measurement of 9 3/8 inches also stood out to scouts, further increasing his appeal as an NFL prospect. Milroe’s combination of speed, arm strength, and football IQ could make him an ideal fit for a team in need of a dynamic quarterback.
Wrapping Up
Jalen Milroe’s college career at Alabama was a story of growth, resilience, and success. From his early days as a backup to his rise as one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in college football, Milroe’s journey has been a testament to his hard work and determination. His ability to make plays both in the passing and running game made him one of the most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks in the country. Now, as he heads into the NFL Draft, Milroe’s future is bright, and his potential as a professional quarterback is undeniable.
FAQs
What were Jalen Milroe’s passing statistics during the 2024 season?
Milroe completed 64.3% of his passes, with 205 completions on 319 attempts, for 2,844 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
How many rushing touchdowns did Milroe score in the 2024 season?
Milroe rushed for 726 yards on 168 carries, scoring 20 rushing touchdowns in the 2024 season.
What honors did Milroe receive during his college career?
Milroe was named second-team All-SEC in 2023 and finished sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting that same year.
When did Milroe declare for the NFL Draft?
Milroe declared for the 2025 NFL Draft on January 2, 2025.
What physical change did Milroe experience before the NFL Combine?
Milroe’s hand span increased by more than half an inch since the Senior Bowl, measuring 9 3/8 inches.
Key Takeaways
Jalen Milroe’s college football career was marked by significant achievements, both as a passer and a runner. His ability to contribute in both facets of the game made him one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in college football. With impressive statistics and a bright future ahead in the NFL, Milroe’s journey is far from over, and his potential as a professional quarterback is immense.
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