Jalen Milroe decided to stay at Alabama for his senior year well before Nick Saban retired. There are many reasons why he did so, including the pursuit of a master's degree. But Milroe said a big part of his decision to remain in Tuscaloosa is the pure brand power of the Crimson Tide.
"When it comes to branding as a program, there are only two other brands I can say are as great a caliber as Alabama, and it's the Cowboys and the Yankees," Milroe told 247Sports. "Bama has a unique foundation that's here. There are great people that are here to help uplift you."
That foundation is no longer fronted by Saban. Instead, it's those like Milrore and new Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer who will help carry the program forward.
Speaking of branding, Milroe joined 247Sports on Wednesday on behalf of Six Star Pro Nutrition and its new Kellogg's Fruit Loop flavored protein shake. Milroe talked with 247Sports about his decision to stay in Tuscaloosa, how DeBoer changed the way he looks at playing quarterback and even a bit on incoming five-star wide receiver Ryan Williams.
Note: This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
247Sports: "Nick Saban retired. How did you think about the decision of staying versus going after that happened?"
Milroe: "That was definitely a hard moment in everyone's eyes with the transition of him retiring. He has to do what's best for him, and that's exactly what he did. So I support him 100%. Now as players we have to do what's best for us. I felt like Alabama was the right place I needed to be at. I'm definitely confident in my decision and glad I stayed.
"One thing I'm big on is commitment. Initially before I got here I told my parents, 'I want to get my degree in three years.' I was able to achieve that in three years in December and check that off the check list of what I wanted to accomplish. After I finished that degree, I told my parents, before Coach Saban even retired, 'I'm going to get my master's degree from Alabama.' Nothing is going to allow me to shy away from that or sway my decision. Now I'm working on my master's at Alabama. …"
"When it comes to branding as a program there are only two other brands I can say are as great a caliber as Alabama, and it's the Cowboys and the Yankees. Bama has a unique foundation that's here. There are great people that are here to help uplift you.
"The new hire with Coach (Kalen) DeBoer has been awesome. It's been awesome to have him here and have the opportunity to learn and grow as a player and also be around this new phase, in a sense. At some point it was going to happen. No matter if it was now or 10 or 15 years. Whatever (Saban) chose it was going to happen. So what a great opportunity to learn and be around somebody different and expand my knowledge and be a student of the game. (DeBoer) an offensive minded coach. So as quarterback, I'm bias, but it's awesome to have an offensive-minded head coach."
247Sports: How, if at all, has Coach DeBoer changed the way you think about playing quarterback?
Milroe: "Spring ball was a great opportunity to get acclimated with the new coaching staff with Coach DeBoer and all the new offensive coaches that was in place. Coach DeBoer is very intelligent and has a great scheme. It's definitely evident as to why they're so successful on offense no matter where he is for the quarterback position, and it's the system he has in place. There are so many things the quarterback has in terms of resources so they can be the best them every time they snap the ball. With having spring ball, with having summer practices and with having meeting time with them, it's definitely a special system and a special opportunity that's here."
247Sports: At the end of the Iron Bowl we could hear you on the mic saying, 'Give me the Heisman.' Is this the year?
