ln a departure from the Nick Saban era, when Alabama football would wait until the end of the season to name its permanent captains, the Crimson Tide did it on Tuesday. No surprises in the group, with quarterback Jalen Milroe, offensive guard Tyler Booker got the nod for the offense, while linebacker Deontae Lawson and safety Malachi Moore earned the honor on defense.
On Wednesday, offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan was asked specifically about Milroe’s leadership abilities, as the redshirt junior prepares for his second season as the Crimson Tide’s starter.
“I continue to see him be more and more comfortable in who he is, and being genuine and authentic to who he is,” Sheridan said. “His teammates respect that. They know how hard he works. He’s as hard of a working player that I’ve ever been around. He’s a completely committed and devoted student athlete, in all areas. His teammates respect that.”
Milroe famously was benched for Alabama’s third game of the season in 2023, after struggling in a loss to Texas. He returned to the starting job for SEC play the next week, and led the Crimson Tide to an SEC championship and College Football Playoff appearance, earning Heisman Trophy votes in the process.
Sheridan spoke of how important his continued leadership would be in Kalen DeBoer’s first season as the Tide’s head coach.
“I think he’s becoming more and more comfortable, even in our time here, using his voice to encourage, to confront, to demand, because he’s certainly putting in the time and the work,” Sheridan said. “I think he’s done a real nice job of that, and we’re going to need that as we continue — both him and Tyler (Booker) being leaders on our side of the ball. They’re doing a good job leading that group. They’ve been awesome to this point.”
Booker returned to Alabama following a stellar season at left guard in 2023. Along with Milroe and Moore, he was one of the Tide’s player representatives at SEC Media Days.
The Connecticut native has slimmed down for the 2024 season, dropping to 325 pounds after playing at 352 last year. According to Sheridan, the weight loss has helped with Booker’s endurance.
Booker’s fellow offensive lineman, left tackle Kadyn Proctor, praised the junior’s leadership.
“Playing next to someone like that is definitely such a blessing,” Proctor said. “I love that he got captain and I really, truly believe that’s what he’s meant to be.”
Alabama opens the 2024 season on Aug. 31 against Western Kentucky in Tuscaloosa.
