Nick Saban explains his expectations for Dallas Turner as Alabama's next great pass rusher

Nick Saban has a laundry list of incredible defensive players during his time at Alabama. At all three levels as well, producing stars in the masses. You could argue none were as impressive as Will Anderson, with the pass rusher being considered a Heisman Trophy candidate at some point. If you look at the numbers, they speak for themselves too.

Anderson is now in Houston, entering his rookie season with the Texans. Saban was asked about replacing Anderson heading into the 2023 season but he disagreed with the idea. To him, it’s just about developing the players currently on the roster in order for them to potentially be as disruptive as Anderson.

“I don’t think any player should look like they’re trying to replace any other player,” Saban said via the SEC Coaches Teleconference. “Will Anderson was a great player in his own way in his career here… We don’t look at it like somebody is replacing somebody. We look at it like — what do you need to continue develop that guy to play well.”

The player Alabama will be looking to continue to develop is Dallas Turner. A household name since his freshman year in Tuscaloosa but will turn into the main guy this season. While many may view him as the Anderson replacement, Saban hopes Turner blossoms into his own as a start player.

“Dallas Turner has been a very good player in his career here,” Saban said. “We want him to continue to develop of be the very best player that he can be. Create the most value he can for himself and the team. We want to do the same thing with Chris Braswell or whoever plays that position.”

Through two seasons, Turner has been in opponents’ backfield a ton. He has recorded 18.0 tackles for a loss and 12.5 sacks. There was a slight regression, from a stats standpoint, from the 2021 season into 2022.

However, with Kevin Steele now running the show, Alabama is expected to be more aggressive. Turner is expected to be going up against SEC offensive tackle on every single play, attempting to get to the quarterback. Saban mentioned Braswell on the other side but Turner will likely be team’s main focus.

If the development continues for Turner, he is expected to be Alabama’s next great pass rusher. And then he can join Anderson in the NFL, potentially being a top draft pick in April 2024.