Alabama fans are expecting an elite defense throughout the football season in the fall.
The Crimson Tide’s decision to return Kevin Steele as defensive coordinator has energy buzzing in the program.
RELATED: Alabama RB Jase McClellan named a preseason candidate for 2023 Maxwell Award
Some players have spoken about the Tide getting back to being physical and dominating opponents.
After watching Georgia propel itself to back-to-back College Football Playoff National Championships by being the bully of the sport, the Tide looks to snatch things back. The Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) and Charlotte Touchdown Club announced the preseason candidates Tuesday for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list. The honor goes to the best defensive player in college football. Will Anderson Jr., a University of Alabama alum, captured the award in 2021 and 2022 for the Tide.
Alabama has three defensive players on the watch list — Dallas Turner, Kool-Aid McKinstry, and Malachi Moore — for the fall.
RELATED: Dallas Turner expects ‘Joyless Murderball’ from Alabama this season
Turner, a junior, came into Alabama’s 2021 class as a five-star from South Florida. He put on a show as a freshman in 2021, replacing an injured Drew Sanders. Turner collected 30 tackles, including 10 stops for loss and 8.5 sacks. He also posted five quarterback hurries, assisting the Tide to a Southeastern Conference Championship and a berth in the CFP national title game.
The 6-foot-4, 242-pounder earned Freshman All-SEC and Freshman All-American honors (FWAA). His production dropped last season; however, Turner had 37 tackles, eight tackles for loss, four sacks, nine quarterback hurries, and a returned a fumble recovery for a touchdown. He takes over as the intense edge-rushing outside linebacker for the departed Anderson to the NFL.
McKinstry, a junior, arrived in Alabama’s 2021 class as a five-star in-state talent.
He grew as a standout cornerback and return specialist in 2022, making a few All-American teams. McKinstry, a Birmingham (Ala.) native, led the Tide with 15 pass breakups last season. He posted an interception and two tackles for loss to pair with 35 total tackles. McKinstry was also one of the best punt returners in the SEC, averaging 16 yards per return and 333 return yards.
Moore, a senior, entered as a four-star in the Crimson Tide’s 2020 class.
He came as one of the best in-state safety prospects, but Moore earned the starting job as a nickel ‘Star’ cornerback in his freshman season. He turned in an impressive campaign, totaling 44 tackles, four tackles for loss, six pass breakups, three interceptions (team-high), and fumble recovery returned for a touchdown. Moore made Freshman All-SEC and Freshman All-American in helping the team to a CFP National Championship. Injuries limited his production as a sophomore, but he bounced back in 2022. He finished with 31 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, five pass breakups, and returned a blocked punt for a touchdown. Moore has a chance to grab a starting spot in Alabama’s secondary at either safety position in preseason camp.
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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.
