Dallas Turner thanks Will Anderson for roll in development

The current group of Alabama linebackers has drawn high praise and hopes to showcase their talent with three returning starters from 2021 to 2022 gaining NFL attention for the pass rushing ability they show. Sophomore Dallas Turner is the youngest of the four starters and got his chance earlier than most when Will Anderson took him under his wing over his first months on campus.

Now providing a one-two punch on the edge, Dallas Turner and Will Anderson have joked about the “race” to reach the quarterback first in passing situations. As the two spend a second full season together before the older likely takes his talents to the NFL, Turner spoke about the bond they have created.

CLICK HERE to subscribe for FREE to the On3 YouTube channel

“I feel like its always a party in the backfield with me and him on the field,” said Turner. “We also play off each other, so he gives me energy and I give him energy. I look up to him as a big brother and I just appreciate him for everything he’s done for me.”

The bond between the two is evident on the field as they kick off the “party” in the backfield each game. But the end result seen on Saturday is a result of long hours spent on the practice field by the duo. Turner revealed where he has grown the most as a player since arriving at Alabama.

“I feel like my maturity on the field, and understanding defenses and offenses a lot more,” said Turner. “I feel like my pass rush has developed a little more as well. I feel like as a group too, a lot of people have been getting better.”

Dallas Turner on Quinn Ewers injury

Dallas Turner also weighed in on his controversial hit against Quinn Ewers in Alabama’s 20-19 win over Texas. Despite being called for roughing the passer on a play which sent the opposing starter to the locker room, he set the record straight that there was no intent on the play.

“Honestly, it was no intent to hurt Quinn Ewers,” said Turner. “Honestly, I feel like he’s a good quarterback and I hope he has a very speedy recovery. But it was just a QB hit, that’s how I looked at it, so no intent to hurt him or nothing like that. No dirty play, nothing.”

The injury sustained by Ewers appeared to not be as severe as many feared early, with Steve Sarkisian listing him as day-to-day.