‘A monster’: SEC quarterbacks on Alabama’s Jalen Milroe

There’s no talk of baking of a cake this year at SEC Media Days.

Unlike last year, when former Alabama football coach Nick Saban compared the quarterback competition to his grandmother Anna Saban’s baking process. He brought up the analogy to explain that the Crimson Tide needed to let the quarterback competition process play out and patience was necessary.

That’s no longer the case this season; There is no quarterback competition. Jalen Milroe is expected to be the starter again.

It makes sense after what Milroe showed last season, and new coach Kalen DeBoer and offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan will have the opportunity to help the quarterback take his game to another level in 2024.

Milroe is expected to contend for the Heisman Trophy this season and lead an Alabama offense that has the potential to be potent.

Milroe will address reporters Wednesday morning in Dallas as part of SEC Media Days. But before his arrival, AL.com asked a handful of SEC quarterbacks for their thoughts on the Alabama quarterback. Here’s what they said.

Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss

Dart provided the most compelling quote and didn’t mince words.

“He’s a monster,” Dart said. “He definitely is a guy who passes the eye test from the physical ability.”

Milroe’s physical gifts are almost always on display whenever he takes the field, but Dart knows there is more to Milroe than that.

“He’s also a very genuine dude,” Dart said.

Dart spent time with Milroe at the Manning Passing Academy in late June in Louisiana. Dart said he and Milroe have also followed each other’s careers, being in the same recruiting class.

“He’s been a stud,” Dart said, “and he’s going to be a baller for them this year for sure.”

Brady Cook, Missouri

Cook also spoke with Milroe at the passing academy. Cook mentioned the person first before he even spoke about what Milroe can do as a football player.

“First of all, unbelievable person,” Cook said. “You could just tell talking to him immediately, such a cool personality. He’s always smiling. Vibrant. Just the way he interacts with people. He’s not too big for anyone. He’s not too cool for anyone. So I really appreciate his character.”

Cook then went on to describe Milroe as “an unbelievable athlete.”

“He could win a game alone with his legs,” Cook said. “I think his arm strength is one of his biggest things. He can rip it. He can make any throw on the field.”

Jackson Arnold, Oklahoma

Arnold met Milroe during the “air it out” night at the passing academy.

“He’s a great dude,” Arnold said. “I think he’s a great player, too. Obviously, he played very highly for them last year. Did a lot of great things for them. I think he will continue to do great things for them this year.”

Garrett Nussmeier, LSU

Nussmeier struck a similar tone and said similar things as Arnold.

“Jalen is a special player,” Nussmeier said. “I think everybody who watches SEC football has seen that. I think he’s done a really, really good job for Alabama, and I think he will continue to do so.”

Carson Beck, Georgia

Beck introduced himself to Milroe at the passing academy in June.

“Never had really talked to him,” Beck said.

The conversation wasn’t long, though. Beck said he didn’t have a chance to talk much with Milroe.

“But he seems like a great guy,” Beck said.