He arrived at the University of Alabama in a recruiting class that followed Will Anderson Jr.
Anderson took him under his wing, but now he is a step closer to earning something his predecessor took in the previous season.
RELATED: Dallas Turner expects ‘Joyless Murderball’ from Alabama this season
Dallas Turner, a junior outside linebacker, has produced an excellent campaign for the Crimson Tide. He returned his numbers to his freshman production in 2021, when he earned Freshman All-SEC and Freshman All-American honors. Turner, a former five-star prospect, leads Alabama defense in sacks (eight), tackles for loss (12.5), and quarterback hurries (13). He also has two forced fumbles and a pass breakup to go with 46 total tackles. Turner is tied for third in the Southeastern Conference for sacks.
He has the Crimson Tide’s defense in the SEC Championship Game and is a finalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award.
🔹 FINALIST: The Nation’s Top Defensive Player 🔹@UnoErra x @BednarikAward https://t.co/gQHOQdKhCE#RollTide pic.twitter.com/o1AbL6EALu
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) November 28, 2023
Turner was announced on Tuesday as a finalist via the Maxwell Football Club. The Bednark Award goes to the nation’s top defensive player in college football. Three Alabama players have won the honor since 1995, as Jonathan Allen (2016), Minkah Fitzpatrick (2017), and Will Anderson (2022) took it home. Turner could become the fourth recipient in school history.
His numbers for the outstanding year he has had are below.
Dallas Turner, Bednarik Award finalist
- One of the nation’s top pass-rushers who is credited with 44 quarterback pressures on the season
- Recorded 46 tackles, including a team-high 12.5 for loss (-81 yards) and eight sacks (-61 yards)
- Tied for third in the SEC and ninth nationally in sacks while ranking in the top 10 in the conference for tackles for loss
- Also contributed a team-leading 13 quarterback hurries to go with two forced fumbles and a pass breakup
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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.
