Alabama spring game takeaways: Jalen Milroe, RBs excel in Kalen DeBoer's first scrimmage

Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe.

Kalen DeBoer’s first spring game as Bama head coach is in the books. Following Nick Saban’s retirement in January, everyone has been wondering what the Tide will look like without the all-time great roaming the sideline.

We got our first glimpse of Bama football post-Saban during Saturday’s spring game, and here are our takeaways.

Don’t sleep on Bama with quarterback Jalen Milroe

Anyone thinking Alabama is guaranteed to take a step back in DeBoer’s first year is sorely mistaken. Milroe was in command of Bama’s offense early, delivering his best throw on the Tide’s third touchdown drive.

He should be a life jacket for DeBoer as he embarks on his first season as an SEC head coach. Milroe has been here before and gives the Tide a legitimate shot of winning the conference in his head coach’s first year on the job.

Running backs dominate

Alabama’s top two running backs from last season are gone, but that might not be such a bad thing. Jase McClellan declared for the 2024 NFL Draft, while Roydell Williams transferred to Florida State, opening the door for backs including Justice Haynes, Jam Miller and Richard Young to receive larger roles.

Haynes, whom Saban praised during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” following January’s Rose Bowl, scored the scrimmage’s first touchdown.

Young’s most impressive run came when he took a toss and gave the Tide’s offense a 14-0 lead by barreling through defenders for six.

Miller nearly scored a touchdown on a 48-yard run from midfield later in the first half, showing nice explosiveness once finding the hole.

Just as in years past, Bama is loaded at running back and shouldn’t skip a beat despite the departing talent.

Defense remains a work in progress

While the offense hummed in the first half, the defense was left huffing. The unit struggled mightily out of the gate, and while it responded with a better effort in the second half, the slow start isn’t something it wants to become a habit.

Saban remains in the shadows

Saban received a warm welcome from fans on the sideline before the game and later spoke with ESPN’s Molly McGrath about his first spring away from coaching and his thoughts on the program under DeBoer.

“The players are in good hands,” Saban noted, while adding he’s optimistic about DeBoer’s abilities to recruit and attract players via the portal.

“I’m excited for the future,” he added.

Saban laid the foundation for DeBoer to succeed. The former Washington head coach is standing in the shadow of a giant in Tuscaloosa. Perhaps one day DeBoer will cast his own.

Want more articles like this? Follow Yardbarker on MSN to see more of our exclusive college football content.

More must-reads:

Trending slideshow: The greatest players in Alabama football history (Provided by Yardbarker)