Nick Saban recruits five-star athletes for a reason, and two will play on Saturday versus Texas A&M.
Drew Sanders, a sophomore, injured his hand.
The situation required surgery, and Coach Saban told reporters during Wednesday’s SEC Coaches Teleconference that Sanders will ‘probably’ be out for Alabama. Despite the mishap, the Crimson Tide has depth at outside linebacker. Chris Braswell (sophomore) and Dallas Turner (freshman) are ready to help.
RELATED: Texas A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher with high praise for Alabama QB Bryce Young
After redshirting his freshman year in 2020, Braswell was dominant in spring practice.
He impressed Tide fans on A-Day with five tackles, including three for loss and three sacks.
A native of Baltimore, Md., Braswell had a strip-sack of quarterback Bryce Young that Jaylen Moody recovered for a touchdown. He has earned playing time in each of Alabama’s five games, totaling 10 tackles and one quarterback hurry. Braswell got the Crimson Tide going versus Mercer by blocking a punt. Jase McClellan recovered it and returned the ball for a touchdown at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
He added 20 pounds to his 6’3″ frame over the summer, going from 220 to 240 pounds.
Braswell’s commitment allows him to sustain dominance at the point of attack.
He is an excellent pass rusher.
8/7/21 MFB vs practice
Alabama linebacker Will Anderson (31)_
Dallas Turner (15)
Khyree Jackson (6)
Photo by Kent Gidley
Turner, a native of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., is about to have an expanded role.
He has played in four games, but Alabama recruited him for big moments. The 6-foot-4, 245-pounder was one of the top pass-rushing linebackers in this recent recruiting cycle.
He totaled 25 tackles for loss and 13 sacks during his senior year at St. Thomas Aquinas High School. Coach Saban likes what Turner can provide at outside linebacker. He excelled at preseason camp, including both scrimmages.
Saban said Braswell and Turner have ‘a lot of potential.’
RELATED: With Drew Sanders out for Texas A&M, freshman Dallas Turner is set to shine at outside linebacker
“They played in some games, and they are getting all the reps in practice,” he said. “We’re going to do as much as we can to bring them along. We have faith, trust, and confidence they will be ready on Saturday.”
Alabama has its next men up. Crimson Tide fans are looking forward to watching Braswell and Turner.
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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.
