Alabama enters Monday’s College Football Playoff semifinal against Michigan with one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the sport. Jalen Milroe developed throughout the season from not playing in Week 3 against South Florida to garnering Heisman Trophy votes.

During a media availability on Thursday, Wolverine players and coaches had high praise for the redshirt sophomore from Katy, Texas.

“He’s an elite player, elite athlete,” Michigan defensive coordinator Jesse Minter said. “Capable of making those second plays. And then they also design runs for him. There’s times when offensive football is really like 10-on-11 when the quarterback is under center and hands the ball off, he’s really not a factor. But with him, they make you play 11-on-11 with how they use him.”

Minter emphasized how important it is for Michigan to properly tackle Milroe, whose rushing ability has been well publicized. His players agreed.

However, even when asked what threat Milroe poses as a runner, the Wolverines kept coming back to his passing talent.

“I don’t think y’all really see his arm on tape,” linebacker Jaylen Harrell said. “Throws the ball 60-yards on the run, in the pocket, stuff like that. So really does more than just run the ball… But when the play breaks down and they need a spark, you know 4′s getting the ball.”

Michigan has been trying to replicate some of what Milroe does in practice using backup quarterback Alex Orji. Orji is more mobile than Wolverine starter JJ McCarthy.

But again, it’s the arm that Michigan seemed concerned about.

“When we got to practice, Alex is throwing it,’ UM defensive back Rod Moore said. “Alex just throws it. I remember one time, he throw it in the post and he was probably on the opposite 30 and it got to the middle of the end zone and you see the film, that’s how Milroe throws the ball.”

Alabama and Michigan are scheduled to kick off at 4 p.m. CT on Monday in Pasadena. The winner will face either Texas or Washington in the national championship game on Jan. 8.

The Rose Bowl will be aired on ESPN.