DJ Dale reveals why he decided to return to Alabama for final season

Defensive lineman DJ Dale just wrapped up his third season with the Alabama Crimson Tide. Instead of going pro, Dale opted to return for his fourth season at Alabama. In a press conference on Thursday, Dale described what played into that big decision.

Alabama won the SEC Championship Game against Georgia this past season, but it was the Bulldogs that emerged victorious in the national title game. Dale simply wasn’t willing to walk away after a disappointing finish.

“I mean for me it was an easy decision,” Dale said about returning for his fourth year at Alabama. “I didn’t feel right leaving off like a loss. And then I knew I could create more value for myself as a player and it was a lot of unfinished business that I feel like had to be taken care of for me personally and as a teammate.”

As a freshman in 2019, Dale totaled 17 tackles with three tackles for loss, one sack, and one fumble recovery at Alabama. In 2020, he had 21 tackles, one tackle for loss, two passes defended, and one fumble recovery. This past season, Dale turned in 18 tackles with three tackles for loss and two sacks.

In returning to Alabama for another season, Dale provides a veteran presence on the defensive line. Behind him on the defense, Alabama has a star-studded group of linebackers, led by Henry To’o To’o and Will Anderson.

Dale’s announcement about returning to Alabama

When Dale announced his intentions to return to Alabama for another season, he had the same general reasoning that he provided on Thursday. He felt like he has unfinished business, and he isn’t quite done growing as an individual player.

“Growing up in Alabama, I knew how special it would be to one day get a chance to play for the Crimson Tide,” Dale said. “When I received an offer from Coach Saban, I knew I had to come be a part of this program. Since stepping foot on campus as a freshman, I have grown into a better player and a better man. The academic staff, the nutrition staff, the training staff, the coaches, my teammates – everyone at this University have put in countless hours to make me better. But I still have room left to grow.

“We didn’t end this season the way we wanted to and there is still work to be done. With that being said, I will be returning for my senior year. We have unfinished business to take care of in 2022.”