PHOTO: Ex-NFL star Mark Ingram II shares smiles with Alabama star Jalen Milroe as he pays a visit to alma mater

Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe is gearing up for his second season as the starter for the program. Former coach Nick Saban named Milore as the QB1 for the 2023 season after Bryce Young's NFL departure. He will play his final collegiate year under new coach Kalen DeBoer before declaring for next year's NFL draft.

Amid the offseason preparations, Jalen Milroe and the Crimson Tide got a special visit from one of the school's alumni. In an Instagram story on Friday, the quarterback reposted a pic of him posing with former running back Mark Ingram II.

Ingram, who played 12 seasons in the NFL, visited his alma mater ahead of the 2024 season. He shared some words of motivation with the team as it sets off on its natty journey in a few weeks. In the photo, Jalen Milroe and Mark Ingram met at the school's training facility while posing with the "LANK" sign.

"BIG LANK," the caption on the photo read.

Credits: Jalen Milroe's Instagram

Mark Ingram joined Alabama during Nick Saban's tenure in 2008. During his three-season stint with the program, he won the national championship during the 2009 season.

That year, the running back helped the Crimson Tide become the undefeated natty champs. He put up a total of 1,658 rushing yards and 17 rushing touchdowns along with 334 receiving yards and three touchdowns, becoming the first RB after Ron Dayne and Reggie Bush to win the Heisman Trophy.

He was then selected by the New Orleans Saints as the 28th overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft.

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Kalen DeBoer sets expectations from Jalen Milroe in 2024

Last season, the Alabama quarterback had a roller-coaster campaign. He was also benched as the starter after a Week 2 loss to the Texas Longhorns. However, Milroe prevailed in the end to regain his QB1 role and was successful in leading the Crimson Tide to an SEC trophy and a playoff berth.

Now, as Kalen DeBoer gears up for his Tuscaloosa debut, he praised Milroe's performance during fall camp practice and talked about its impact on the team for the upcoming season.

"I thought yesterday and today, took the biggest steps I've seen since I've been here. The way he's intentional about coming out. Even not just what you say, but how you do things. What your body language is and he gets that," DeBoer said.

"That's important, but he's actually just leading the way and then it leads to him really playing well and the other guys follow suit."

It will be interesting to see if Jalen Milroe will be successful in helping Alabama emerge as a natty champ in the new 12-team playoff era.