Alabama signed six defensive linemen in its top-ranked 2019 recruiting class, but DJ Dale is positioned as someone who looks to be a day one starter in the fall.
Per TDA Magazine, Dale was rated as a four-star from Pinson, Ala.
? New recruiting profiles! ? What’s your Touchdown Alabama ranking? Next up, our No. 6 for 2019 is @ddale44 4 ⭐️ player! See more at:https://t.co/mZgkkWTrUZ pic.twitter.com/ganCwnGFVf
— Touchdown Alabama (@TDAlabamaMag) May 22, 2019
He was a stud at Clay-Chalkville High School and became on the best prospects in the 2019 cycle at his position. While he carried 330 pounds on a 6-foot-3 frame, he was known as a player with speed and strong hands to pair alongside his size.
Dale has been working all summer with Step By Step Sports Training in Birmingham, Ala. A couple of videos were posted on the site’s Twitter, showing Dale’s explosiveness in drills and commitment to conditioning his body.
They could have slept in but they know what Success taste like…3 Mile Memorial Day Morning run??? @will121200 @buttatv @ddale44 pic.twitter.com/tgNjrJub4s
— Step By Step Sports Training LLC (@_Coach_L) May 27, 2019
I want @ddale44 having SEC Quarterbacks thinking they have on 3D glasses all Fall‼️? pic.twitter.com/r0wD963aW0
— Step By Step Sports Training LLC (@_Coach_L) June 28, 2019
Per sources, Dale was the most consistent playmaker all spring for the Tide.
He disrupted the timing of Alabama’s offense and turned in a quality performance on A-Day, despite the rough weather conditions at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Regardless of Phidarian Mathis having more knowledge of the system, much attention surrounds Dale as the potential starter at nose tackle.
Since the offseason, Dale has dropped 22 pounds.
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He’s gained more athleticism at 308 pounds, but has the same hands and core strength to be a force.
It will not be easy stepping into the shoes once filled by Quinnen Williams, Da’Ron Payne, Dalvin Tomlinson, A’Shawn Robinson, Jesse Williams and Terrence Cody among others, but Dale has the mindset and the tools to excel and keep things rolling.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
