Backup Michigan Football QB Playing Key Role In Rose Bowl Prep

The Alabama Crimson Tide have one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the nation: Jalen Milroe, a do-it-all athlete who can seemingly beat a defense in just about any way possible. Because of Milroe’s unique and dangerous skill set, the Wolverines have turned to an up-and-coming star as they prep for the Rose Bowl: backup Michigan football QB Alex Orji, who is quite the athlete himself.

Backup Michigan football QB giving defense a good look before facing Alabama Crimson Tide

So far this fall, Michigan football is yet to see a quarterback like Jale Milroe — he is big, fast, and boasts plenty of arm talent as well. While Jack Tuttle and Davis Warren don’t exactly give Michigan’s defense a good look in practice, as they lack the duel-threat skill set that Milroe has, Alex Orji has found a key role for the Wolverines as they prepare to face the Alabama Crimson Tide in the Rose Bowl.

Jalen Milroe doing his best Lamar Jackson impression on the looooong run 💨 pic.twitter.com/R0Ft2CKI6K

— Def Pen Sports (@DefPenSports) October 1, 2022

“(Alex Orji) definitely gives a lot of conditioning for us,” Michigan football team captain Kris Jenkins explained on Monday. “He’s a quick boy. He moves. We think he’s definitely giving us a good look, getting us prepped and ready to turn on the burners when we play (Jalen Milroe and Alabama on) January 1.”

Alex Orji in at QB. He's 6'3 235lbs. Arm tackles won't cut it.
52-0 Michigan in the 4th pic.twitter.com/mfA4pXRRp0

— Due# (@JDue51) September 18, 2022

Jaylen Harrell notes the impact of Alex Orji as the Wolverines prep for Jalen Milroe in the Rose Bowl

Edge rusher Jaylen Harrell also mentioned the impact of having Alex Orji repping against the defense in practice before they face Milroe and Alabama in the Rose Bowl.

“Orji has been a great look… Especially body type and escapability from the pocket. So he’s been a good look for us. … It’s really beneficial, it’s great to see in practice. Obviously, come game time, it’s going to be different, but it’s good to see right now.”

While the Michigan football defense undoubtedly knows that stopping Jalen Milroe will be a tall task, having Alex Orji in the locker room has become a major factor as the Wolverines prep for the Rose Bowl. Of course, a win over Alabama on January 1 will send Michigan to the national title game, and disrupting Bama’s offensive game plan will be key in knocking off the Tide in Pasadena, CA.

Happy Birthday Jalen Milroe 🔥 pic.twitter.com/JagoYh76ni

— Nick Saban is Kirby Smart’s Daddy (@BuiltBySaban) December 13, 2023

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