Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe has the No. 4 Crimson Tide two wins away from a national championship.
But Milroe has been met with doubters along his route to the 2023 College Football Playoff, including one of his former Alabama coaches.
Speaking at a press conference Thursday, Milroe revealed that ex-Alabama offensive coordinator and current New England Patriots OC Bill O'Brien told him to change positions.
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"My own offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien told me I shouldn't play quarterback," Milroe told reporters. "That's something I have motivation from."
When asked how O'Brien's suggestion made him feel, Milroe responded, "How would you feel if I told you 'you suck?'"
"The biggest thing for me is stay true to myself and stay the same," he continued. "The only thing that changed about me is that I had an opportunity and I seized it. I had a bigger purpose than anyone's opinion."
O'Brien was Alabama's offensive coordinator for two seasons from 2021-22. Milroe, a redshirt sophomore, said O'Brien told him there were "a bunch" of positions he could have switched to.
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"But look where I'm at right now," Milroe added. "So who gets the last laugh?"
Milroe took over the starting quarterback reins this season after No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young departed for the NFL. The Katy, Texas, native was actually benched against South Florida in Week 3 following Alabama's loss to Texas. But he re-entered the lineup the following week and hasn't looked back since.
The 6-2, 220-pound signal-caller has tallied 2,718 yards, 23 touchdowns and six interceptions with a 65.5 completion percentage this season. He's also been a factor on the ground, rushing for 468 yards and 12 scores.
Milroe has led Alabama to a perfect 10-0 record since his benching, most recently beating the undefeated two-time defending national champion Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC Championship Game to punch the Crimson Tide's ticket to the CFP. His stellar season earned him a sixth-place finish in voting for the 2023 Heisman Trophy.
Milroe and Co. will now look to take down another undefeated foe when they face No. 1 Michigan in the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day.