Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe has the “final laugh” despite his doubters.

ANGELES — Starting quarterback Jalen Milroe revealed on Thursday that former Alabama offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien previously advised him not to play quarterback. Milroe is just a few days away from leading Alabama into the College Football Playoff semifinal versus Michigan.

“If I told you that you’re bad, how would you feel?” About the experience of hearing that comment from his previous coordinator, Milroe spoke. “Look where I am today, look at all the positions he told me I might have gone to. “Who laughs the last?”

Tommy Rees took over as the team’s offensive coordinator this past offseason after O’Brien, who served as the position for the previous two seasons, left to take a job as offensive coordinator with the NFL’s New England Patriots.

Under offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe has thrived as a passer and runner after early season troubles. He has passed for 2,718 yards and 23 touchdowns while also running for 468 yards and 12 more scores.Jeffrey Vest/Sportswire/Icon

Rees, who was formerly a collegiate quarterback, has helped Milroe develop into one of the league’s top quarterbacks. Milroe recovered from his early-season struggles, which included losing the starting role against South Florida.

Along the way, he found his rhythm as a passer and runner, running for 468 yards and 12 more touchdowns while throwing for 2,718 yards and 23 touchdowns, helping the Tide to 10 straight victories, an SEC championship, and a CFP berth.

Milroe remarked, “You don’t assume I play quarterback when you look at me.” “You believe that I play tight end, linebacker, and [defensive back]. You don’t believe that I am a quarterback.

When it comes to his ability to throw the ball, Milroe takes great satisfaction in defying perceptions about him and demonstrating his effectiveness as a thrower as well as a runner. As his self-assurance has increased, Milroe’s conviction that he can perform at a high level in the position—despite doubts from others like O’Brien—has only strengthened.

“When I went to camp growing up, they saw me as a receiver or as not playing quarterback,” Milroe remarked. “I strive to play quarterback as much as possible since it is how I defeat all the odds.”

After committing to Alabama, Milroe said he never wavered in his belief and ambition to be an SEC quarterback, even though he realized the peculiarity of his road to this position. With Rees, Milroe has now connected with a fellow quarterback who has had his fair share of highs and lows.

“I’ve never had an OC perform the role before,” Milroe remarked. “I believe that because he was a standout player at Notre Dame, I’m really open to his coaching. I’m able to take in as much information as I can from him now that he’s coaching the position. So far, so good.”

Rees said of Milroe, “He’s a really amazing young man. How he can overcome obstacles and persevere in the face of difficulty.”

This season, the whole Alabama offense has come together behind Milroe, praising his growth as a leader as well.

Wide receiver Isaiah Bond stated, “To be honest, he’s looked like two different players from the first game to all the way up to now, but it’s the same person.” “On the football field, confidence is crucial. You won’t even be able to play to your best capacity if you lack confidence and trust. Thus, the most important thing is to trust in oneself, and he has done that.”