He came to the University of Alabama as a five-star from South Florida, so he’s never been afraid to embrace the moment.
Dallas Turner, a member of Alabama’s 2021 class, stepped up as a true freshman when Drew Sanders suffered an injury.
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He made his first career start versus Texas A&M and did not look back. Turner finished the season earning a spot on the Freshman All-SEC Team and Freshman All-American Team. The 6-foot-4, 242-pounder collected 30 tackles, including ten for loss and 8.5 sacks. He turned in five quarterback hurries and a fumble recovery, assisting the Crimson Tide’s defense to a Southeastern Conference Championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.
Turner played all 13 games last year, including ten starts.
He tallied 37 tackles, eight stops for loss, four sacks, nine quarterback pressures, and returned a fumble for a touchdown.
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As an alumnus of St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Turner knows how important this season is for his NFL Draft stock. He missed spring practice because of recovering from surgery, but he’s putting in work. Turner’s father, Delon, shared a video on Twitter of his son training back home. He hosted a youth football camp Sunday, but Turner’s sights are on a national title.
Summer Break! pic.twitter.com/BgUvPNgHw1
— Delon Turner (@turner_delon) May 22, 2023
He has to be the dynamic edge rusher with Will Anderson gone.
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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.