During Alabama football’s open practice periods on Thursday, the Crimson Tide had a new quarterback in attendance. Julian Sayin was one of several members of UA’s recruiting class of 2024 to join the team before its Rose Bowl matchup with Michigan.

Sayin was dressed out for practice, wearing a black No. 7 jersey, signifying that he, like the other quarterbacks, was a non-contact participant in practice. He went through drills during the 15 minutes of observable practice time.

During a Wednesday press conference held at Disneyland, Alabama starting quarterback Jalen Milroe praised Sayin’s efforts since joining the team.

“It’s been good,” Milroe said. “He’s done a really good job giving our scout team a really good look. Helping Dallas and Malachi (Alabama defensive players at the press conference) out as they prepare for Michigan. For anybody that comes in, I think it’s a really good thing to mid-year and come for it. I mid-yeared as well and I think it was the best thing I could have done because I got into the program early. Got into physical shape and mental shape, so I think it’s a really good thing for Julian to be here early.”

Sayin, a five-star prospect from Carlsbad, Calif., was the No. 1-ranked signal-caller in his class according to the 247Sports composite ratings. He signed with Alabama on the first day of the early-signing period in December.

Milroe said he felt Alabama was doing well helping its youngest players acclimate in the midst of practice for the College Football Playoff matchup with Michigan. The early enrollees will not be able to play this season, but the extra time can help prepare them for their freshman years.

“I feel like everybody on this team has done a really good job embracing him as a team,” Milroe said. “All the enrollees that came in, we’ve got a lot of guys here for bowl practice and I think we’ve been doing a really good job bringing them in as a part of our Bama family.

Alabama and Michigan are scheduled to face off Monday at 4 p.m. CT in the Rose Bowl. The winner will face either Washington or Texas in the national championship game.

The game will be aired on ESPN.