DJ Dale provides his thoughts on this year's leadership for Alabama

Alabama has plenty of talent going into the 2022 season. However, there are more questions about who the team’s leaders are going to be as the Crimson Tide tries to return to the College Football Playoff. Senior defensive lineman DJ Dale met with the media to discuss the team’s leadership.

“The leadership this year is great,” DJ Dale said.

“We hold everybody accountable, and there hasn’t been any pushback from the younger guys. You know, just the small details and everyone is doing it. The younger guys and the older guys do it. So it’s easier for them to follow, fall in line and do what we try to get them to do.”

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DJ Dale is expected to be one of the biggest leaders on the defense. He may not put up massive numbers, but that’s never been his job, either. He takes up time and energy from the offensive line, creating opportunities for linebackers. Dale is an experienced and talented defensive lineman. He should play a massive role for the Crimson Tide in 2022.

DJ Dale says the defensive line is developing a better pass rush

Leadership is one thing. However, you still need to develop better talent than your opponents. One place where the Alabama defensive line has improved is in their interior pass rush, as DJ Dale explained.

“Just pushing the pocket,” said DJ Dale. “All of those guys on the outside-backer room are really dynamic, explosive and fast. But rushing together is really going to be the biggest difference. I feel like we’re not going to have anybody rushing as an individual, and I feel like overall that will help our pass rush.”