Spring football returned to the University of Alabama on Friday, March 11.
Fans of the Crimson Tide are excited for this edition of athletes taking the field, as Nick Saban and the program look to reclaim the crown of national champions. With 15 practice sessions – including the A-Day Game – the staff writers for Touchdown Alabama Magazine will provide in-depth previews on marquee players.
We move to the fifth marquee player on Alabama’s defense to profile, and it’s defensive lineman DJ Dale.
DJ Dale
-Classification: Senior
–Position: Defensive Lineman (nose tackle)
-Hometown: Birmingham, Ala.
-Height: 6-3
-Weight: 300 pounds
–Strengths: Size, power, experience, leadership, technique
Weaknesses: Multiple knee injuries, lacks consistent explosion, can get pushed off the ball often, production is inconsistent, needs to get more aggressive as a pass rusher
Summary for spring practice
DJ Dale returns as a linchpin starter on Alabama’s defensive line.
He arrived on campus in 2019 under much promise as a four-star from Clay-Chalkville High School.
Dale impressed Crimson Tide fans in spring practice, and his freshman season started well. He started ten games, totaling 17 tackles, three stops for loss, one sack, one quarterback hurry, and one fumble recovery. Dale provided explosion off the ball, strong technique, good footwork, and excelled against the run. A knee injury held him out of Alabama’s last three games of 2019.
The 6-foot-3, 300-pounder returned in 2020, but he was not the same player. He lacked explosion, got pushed off the ball multiple times, and opposing teams had success running the ball against him. Dale totaled 22 tackles, one tackle for loss, two pass breakups, and one fumble recovery in 13 games. He regained some of his freshman form in 2021. Dale played his best during the last four games of the season. He collected 18 tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks, and one quarterback hurry. His decision to return has him in the best shape since his freshman year. Some fans would prefer to see Tim Smith, Jamil Burroughs, Jah-Marien Latham, or someone else at nose tackle. Dale has an opportunity to show he is the guy for the job throughout spring practice.
If he can have big production and get more explosive as a pass rusher, Dale will improve his draft stock.
Alabama knows an aggressive nose tackle plays a role in having an elite defense. Dale has to show positive consistency.
Related profiles
–Ty Simpson, Quarterback (freshman)
–Emil Ekiyor, Offensive Lineman
–Will Anderson, Outside Linebacker
–Dallas Turner, Outside Linebacker
–Henry To’oto’o, Inside Linebacker
–Jordan Battle, Defensive Back
–Aaron Anderson, Wide Receiver (freshman)
–Jihaad Campbell, Outside Linebacker (freshman)
–Jeremiah Alexander, Outside Linebacker (freshman)
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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.
