So what if Kalen DeBoer and Michael Penix Jr. have parted ways? The former Washington HC still is the first one to root for his all-time favorite QB. The Atalanta Falcons drafted the star player, but he still finds his way to DeBoer’s praise game. Going by the speculations, Jr. might have a breakthrough with the Falcons this year. This was enough for the now Alabama HC to roll out the red carpet of compliments for Jr. Now that the star QB has been off to the NFL, a big question looms about whether DeBoer’s current QB Jalen Milroe can take the former QB’s place. The HC had some interesting insights about it!  

Even though initially Falcons’ decision to draft Jr. after their costly $180 million contract to Kirk Cousins had been a thorny one, soon the Alabama transfer gained the trust as their healthy QB faltered. Cousins started the week one coming off an Achilles tear. Now that the next name that the Falcons are vibing to is that of Jr., his former mentor had something special to say about him. DeBoer does not expect anything extraordinary but “Just be him,” assured the Crimson Tide HC.

DeBoer further highlighted how Jr. hardly has anything to improve, “You know the skill set is good enough. His personality. He’s great.” However, it has not been easy for the Falcons QB to reach where he is today, “He’s been through the fire in every way possible. He’s prepared for whatever comes his way.”

The DeBoer-Jr. bond has been so strong that the HC is even aware of the player’s off-court skills. In one of the games between Washington and Oregon, the QB was spotted rapping while sitting on the bench. DeBoer remembers it till today and didn’t fumble before dropping the funny jab, “Yeah he’s got the talent I don’t have. That would definitely be an area that is lacking on my end and would be a mockery if I tried to do anything like he does.” All these make it more difficult for the Alabama HC to pick his favorite.     

Kalen DeBoer and his art of avoiding controversy

What DeBoer thought it best to do was to stay in the middle ground. When in an interview asked about who’s got it better playing for the QB, Milroe or Jr., the Alabama HC smartly dodged any form of controversy. Instead, he went with a neutral take, “Every guy is their own guy, right?”

Even though they are separated by experience, to DeBoer, a particular trait brings them to the same level. Their thirst to be a part of the hustle and bustle game, “And what I do know is that both of them are extremely great people and they want to achieve success at the highest level individually.” While DeBoer marked himself safe from taking anyone’s side, there does remain a distinct difference between the current and former Alabama QB. 

On the field, Michael Penix Jr. had been a far more ready passer as compared to Jalen Milroe who on the other hand aced the running game and is a creator with legs. Is Milroe ready to kick Penix Jr. out of Kalen DeBoer’s Hall of Fame? Do share your thoughts.