Alabama OC Nick Sheridan Complimentary of Jalen Milroe, QB Room

The Crimson Tide's newly-hired offense coordinator, who has experience working with talented quarterbacks, had plenty of positives to say about his new players.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Newly-hired Alabama offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan has worked with a number of talented quarterbacks during his time as a college coach. 

He worked with NFL quarterback Joshua Dobbs while he was a graduate assistant at Tennessee, then during his stops at both Indiana and Washington worked with potential future first round pick Michael Penix Jr. 

While appearing on The Next Round on Wednesday morning, Sheridan was asked if returning Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe had the same potential as some of the other talented quarterbacks he's worked with in years past.

"For sure," Sheridan said. "I think he’s an extremely talented and hardworking person. I think everybody knows about explosiveness as a runner but I also think he’s extremely explosive as a passer. He’s got a very strong arm."

Milroe finished sixth in Heisman Trophy voting last season in his first year as a starter, throwing for over 2,800 yards and 23 touchdowns through the air while adding 531 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns en route to a College Football Playoff berth. 

While discussing Milroe's 2023 season, Sheridan didn't shy away from how important it is to learn and grow over the course of a first year as a starter.

"He was playing for the first time last year with a large majority of the snaps, right," Sheridan said. "I know people don’t like to use the word develop anymore, right, but you know that’s part of the journey of a quarterback is the experiences that you go through, help you as you move forward in your career. He’s an extremely talented player I don’t think there’s any doubt about it. He’s got a great attitude and a work ethic that’s really unmatched."

Milroe is also joined by an extremely talented quarterback room around him. Ty Simpson, who served as Milroe's backup last season, opted to return for his redshirt sophomore season instead of hitting the transfer portal as many do when there isn't a clear path do playing time.

In addition, Alabama brought in a quarterback transfer in Austin Mack, who came over from Washington where he was coached by Sheridan as well as head coach Kalen DeBoer and other members of the new Alabama staff. Mack redshirted as a freshman last season, and is a player the staff is very high on for the future. 

"I’ve really enjoyed that time I’ve spent with [Milroe] as I have with the other quarterbacks in the room," Sheridan said. "It’s just a really quality room with great people. That’s what always lends itself to good play, it starts with who the person is. It’s a room full of really great kids who come from great families that are very talented."

See also:

How Did Alabama AD Greg Byrne Break the Ice With Mal Moore?