Alabama’s defense is different from last year and in five seasons total under Pete Golding.
Kevin Steele, the Crimson Tide’s defensive coordinator, has been masterful with his second-half adjustments in games.
RELATED: Dallas Turner expects ‘Joyless Murderball’ from Alabama this season
Alabama has held some of the best offenses in college football under their typical numbers in the second half.
The team has two defensive starters who have had good junior seasons.
Dallas Turner (linebacker) and Kool-Aid McKinstry (cornerback) are semifinalists for the Lott IMPACT Trophy. The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation announced the news Friday morning as the IMPACT Trophy is named after Ronnie Lott. IMPACT is an acronym for the athlete that best demonstrates integrity, maturity, performance, academics, community, and tenacity on and off the field. Alabama had two players earn the award in program history, DeMeco Ryans (2005) and Will Anderson Jr. (2022).
Both are with the Houston Texans in the National Football League.
Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB
- One of the nation’s top corners who also serves as the Tide’s punt returner
- Broken up five passes to go with 21 tackles, including one for loss (-2 yards)
- He’s also returned 11 punts for 58 combined yards with a long gain of 33
Dallas Turner, LB
- A threat off the edge who is one of the top defenders in all of college football
- Recorded 38 total tackles, including seven sacks (-55 yards) and 10.5 tackles for loss (-69 yards)
- He’s also contributed a team-high 11 quarterback hurries and two forced fumbles to go with 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.
