Can Alabama’s defensive line be the strength it needs to be in the fall?
Two players want to make it happen.
DJ Dale and Jamil Burroughs have been working this offseason on explosiveness, footwork, and movement. Nick Saban highlighted Burroughs as the “most improved” defensive lineman in spring practice. He was very effective in the spring game, collapsing the pocket and frustrating Bryce Young. Burroughs is pushing to be the starting nose tackle or earn more playing time than what he’s received. The 6-foot-3, 309-pounder arrived in the 2020 signing class with Will Anderson Jr. as a four-star, and he sees this defense looking like the 2016 group. Burroughs is proclaiming this fall as his money year as it pertains to the NFL Draft.
Don’t worry we back in motion🛠⚒ https://t.co/pPQldnx3yE
— Mil (@jbfrmdaA) April 26, 2022
💰 year. That’s it. That’s the tweet. 🐘
— Mil (@jbfrmdaA) May 27, 2022
— Mil (@jbfrmdaA) April 17, 2022
Dale enters his senior campaign. He had great moments as a freshman, but knee injuries hurt his production as a sophomore.
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Dale started to resurface late in the 2021 season with big plays but needs a consistent year of positive production. He’s back moving well with Leonard Stephens of Step-By-Step Performance Training in Birmingham, Ala. If he can be dominant against the run and serve as a decent interior pass rusher, Dale should create strong draft value for himself. He chose to come back for his senior year to show more leadership, improve his draft status, and help the Crimson Tide win a CFP National Championship.
In the Lab with @AlabamaFB DT @djdale94 🦍 pic.twitter.com/xFmZjiVpU8
— Coach L (@CoachL__) May 27, 2022
Alabama fans want to see the return of an explosive defensive front.
It starts with players such as Dale, Burroughs, Byron Young, and Justin Eboigbe.
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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.
