Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe didn’t really want to talk about the other schools that came after him when Nick Saban retired. The most he’d give is that there were certainly opportunities to go elsewhere.

“100%,” Milroe said after Alabama’s third spring practice on Friday, when asked if there were “Sharks in the water,” aiming to get him out of Tuscaloosa.

There’s a new coach in town. Kalen DeBoer was hired from Washington to take over for Saban. DeBoer brings a different offense to town, but Milroe was quick to announce his intentions to remain at Alabama.

On Friday, he explained his loyalty to the school in the face of change.

“Prior to coming to the University of Alabama, I gave my parents a commitment,” Milroe said. “I told them, I’m gonna get my degree from the University of Alabama, no matter what. And that is something that stayed with me on this journey, no matter hard it was, I gave a commitment to my parents.”

Milroe said he trusted the process. The process brought him a coach who helped turn Michael Penix Jr. into a Heisman Trophy finalist and future NFL Draft pick.

Before last season, Saban wasn’t naming a starter during preseason camp, trotting out a metaphor about his grandmother’s cakes at SEC Media Days. While DeBoer wants competition at every position, he made no secret that Milroe was getting first-team reps when Alabama opened spring ball on Monday.

His position a bit more secure after a 2023 that saw him earn Heisman votes, Milroe wasn’t letting that status change his mindset. He had nothing but positive things to say about the new system that DeBoer, along with offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan, is installing.

“It’s a great system,” Milroe said. “All of the guys on offense are happy about it. We’re trying to learn it as much as possible because it’s new. It’s different, but it’s gonna allow us to be a really good, explosive offense. So we’re all excited.”

Milroe threw for 2,834 yards and 23 touchdowns last season. He also rushed for another 531 yards and 12 scores.

Sheridan spoke to local reporters Friday for the first time since coming to Alabama. The first question he fielded was about his confidence level in the now redshirt junior.

“Very confident,” Sheridan said. “He’s an extremely talented kid. I think more than anything, he’s just a great person. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know him and his family. Obviously, everybody knows the talent, the explosiveness as a passer. Obviously, he’s very electric as a runner as well. But I’ve just enjoyed getting to know him as a person, what his history’s been, what his journey has been.”

The Crimson Tide’s spring practices are paused until March 19 for UA’s spring break. Alabama continues spring ball until April 13, when it closes with the A-Day game at Bryant-Denny Stadium.