In his second year as Katy Tompkins’ field general, junior Jalen Milroe presides over a high-octane offense that is not only balanced but known to unleash a barrage of points.
Milroe, who stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 194 pounds, established himself as a force under center in 2018. He made a significant impact for the Falcons in his first year, succeeding under head coach Todd McVey to the point where Texas head coach Tom Herman offered him a scholarship, which the four-star quarterback accepted last July.
Now Milroe ranks as the top passer among Katy Independent School District signal-callers and Tompkins is considered one of the most prolific offenses in the entire Houston area, if not the state of Texas. More than a year away from graduation, Milroe is determined to take the Falcons to new heights.
“He’s a leader by example,” McVey told Texas Scorecard. “He’s a high-energy kid. He does a great job of just taking in what’s in front of him. As we talk to the quarterback, he applies it to what he’s got to read and where he’s got to throw. He puts in the work. As we say here, he beats on his craft. He’s always working to perfect things whether it be his throwing motion or whatever.”
The coach added that the Falcons’ offensive attack is more fluid because of Milroe’s growth in the span of a year.
“His array of tools has improved from a year ago from the throws that he can make,” McVey said. “It’s fun to watch his growth. He’s that kid, as a quarterback, who takes it serious. It’s important to do well for his team. He just brings that work ethic every day to practice. Who wouldn’t want a kid like that running your offense – he’s the best quarterback I’ve had.”
Milroe threw for 1,420 yards and 10 touchdowns against four interceptions on 174 passing attempts to earn District 19-6A Newcomer of the Year honors last year. This season, he appears on pace to reach the 2,000-passing yard threshold, as well as double his touchdown total from his debut season.
In a nod to his dual-threat capabilities, the future Longhorn has also run for 207 yards and four touchdowns in eight games so far this season.
Tompkins averages nearly 430 yards of total offense and around 48 points per game.
McVey, a former signal-caller himself who became the Falcons head coach in 2017, praises Milroe for taking good care of the football and hailed him as a role model off the field as well as on it.
“His parents are great people; they raised him right,” the coach said. “He’s held accountable to things, which translates into him holding himself accountable for what he does. He’s a heck of a quarterback, but he is a better young man.”
According to McVey, Texas “did their homework” on the underclassman when they recruited him.
“They’re going to be pleasantly surprised with him,” he said.
The coach believes that Milroe will continue to grow and get better with each game. As of press time, Tompkins has two district games remaining.
