Will Anderson puts teams on notice regarding Dallas Turner

Alabama’s defense looks to be strong next season, and a large part of that is due to an incredibly strong group of linebackers. Will Anderson is one of the best players in all of college football, and Dallas Turner impressed as a freshman last season.

Anderson spoke to reporters on Monday after Alabama spring practice, and he had some serious praise on the growth he’s seen from Turner from his first season to now.

“Most definitely,” Anderson when asked if he sees similarities in the way he progressed with how Turner has grown. “Me and Dallas had so many bets, and he broke all my records. So going into this year, I think he’s been very humble. He’s still learning. He hasn’t been comfortable with anything. He’s still looking for that next step to help him get better and reach his ultimate goal just to be better.”

Turner came to Alabama as a five-star plus+ prospect, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average. In his first year with the Crimson Tide, Turner totaled 30 tackles with 10 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, and one fumble recovery.

In Anderson’s freshman season, he finished with 52 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks and one forced fumbles. He then blossomed into one of college football’s top stars as a sophomore. Turner posted a similar stat line as a freshman at Alabama, so he will be looking for a similar ascension to the one that his teammate saw last season.

Anderson has helped Turner in his development at Alabama

Anderson has been mentioned as a possible contender for the Heisman Trophy next season, and he was a notable snub from the four finalists this past year. Having someone like Anderson around to learn from is valuable for Turner, although he’s extremely talented by his own standards.

As Alabama dealt with some injuries last season, Turner was thrown into a larger role rather quickly. He impressed immediately, and Anderson was there to help him with advice along the way.

“I tell him all the time is ‘you don’t have to do nothing more, you don’t have to do nothing less, just go out there and be you,’” Anderson said during the season. “Have fun. You’ve been playing football for a long time, playing football in the backyard, rec ball, high school and that’s kind of what it is. Don’t think about it too much, don’t be nervous or anything, just go out there and have fun.”