Alabama HC Kalen DeBoer is a tough nut to crack. August 10, Saturday was the first scrimmage of preseason camp under the new coach. And of course, the man who has stepped into THE NICK SABAN’s shoes had to face the media after practice. While fans expected DeBoer to be running low in spirits, after knowing about the poor ranks in preseason since 2009, the new HC soared with confidence.

It’s Jalen Milroe and the other quarterbacks who have given that much-needed assurance by showcasing their best skills on the gridiron. Is this also because Milroe has come off as one of the top contenders in the Heisman race?

DeBoer is trusting the process

Stepping into Tuscaloosa, DeBoer got hit by a major blow. Crimson Tide under his tutelage has failed to gain a top-three spot in the preseason Coaches’ poll. This has been one of the rarest phenomena in the Alabama hood and has not happened since 2009. Going by the list released on August 8, Crimson Tide stands at No.5 after receiving 1,077 points. But DeBoer does not even feel a tad bit of remorse. Instead, he’s betting the game confidently on his players. “I thought the plays that are there and you need to make that throw, I think they’re doing that at a higher level, not just today, but throughout camp getting better at it,” claimed the confident HC. 

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And guess what will work wonders in this case? It’s the trust. As DeBoer confirmed, “That’s the trust in your guys around you that they’re going to be where you anticipate them.” Even though Saban’s successor assures, “I’m not just talking about Jalen, I’m talking about all of them,” it’s obvious who holds the HC’s golden ticket- obviously it’s Milroe!

Jalen Milroe’s journey from benched to beloved

Milroe did not have a dreamy start at the beginning of his stint in Crimson Tide when he got benched. But this time it’s the DeBoer and Milroe combination that’s going to favor Alabama. Why wouldn’t it? After all, as On3 analyst J.D. PicKell once said, “I think Kalen DeBoer is exactly what the doctor ordered to improve his consistency as a passer.”

Not only DeBoer. Rather, the entire squad would dedicate themselves to not repeating the mistakes that they did last year. As PicKell highlighted, “The way they are going to dial it up for him. The question last year was was he consistent enough as a passer? I would argue have we seen him be in a position where the offense around him is consistent enough for him to be a good passer.”

This goes about the team. But what makes Milroe stand out from the other renowned powers like Quinn Ewers from Texas, and Georgia’s Carson Beck? It’s his tag of being the most dynamic QB right at the moment in the CFB scenario. But it did not come naturally. Instead, DeBoer’s star QB has earned it showcasing three deadly factors- deep ball accuracy, arm talent, and running ability outside the pocket. And that’s what makes him Alabama’s Dark Horse!