Everything Alabama DL DJ Dale said ahead of second scrimmage

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — On Friday, Alabama defensive lineman DJ Dale spoke to the media for the first time since fall camp opened up in early August. The rising senior is expected to be one of the Crimson Tide’s leaders this season, so it was interesting to hear what he had to say.

Below, you can check out everything Dale said during his media availability.

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On which young guys have stood out on Alabama’s defensive line…

“I would say everyone really. Jaheim Oatis has really been working hard. Isaiah Hastings, Khurtiss Perry, all of them guys are working really hard and bought into the program. And I feel like they’ll be really good when the time comes.”

On where he’s seen improvement with Alabama’s interior pass rush…

“I would say really just pushing the pocket. All of those guys in the outside backer room are really dynamic and explosive and fast. But rushing together is really going to be the biggest difference. We’re not going to be having anybody rushing as an individual, and I feel like overall, that’ll help our pass rush.”

On how the leadership has been on the team…

“The leadership this year is great. 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.”

On if this is the deepest group of DL he’s been a part of since arriving at Alabama…

“Yeah I would say so. Because like right now, it doesn’t matter who’s in. You know, with a lot of older guys right now, we can play with anyone. Everyone is able to communicate with each other. Everybody has a feel for what’s going on. So it really doesn’t matter who’s in. We could have three younger guys, and right now would all know what to do and communicate with each other to execute the call.”

On how much he worked on individual pass rush, plus what he’s learned from others…

“I’ve learned a lot, that was a big focal point for me this season. Just watching film, seeing what went wrong, my strengths and my weaknesses and really working towards my weaknesses.”

On the importance of scrimmages…

“It’s very important because we practice and scrimmage so hard, so it kind of replicates the game. If you want to get the outcome in the game, you have to work hard in these scrimmages and really push yourself.”

On his own personal bucket list for his senior season…

“Win another championship and really just to leave a positive impact on my teammates and these younger guys, to continue to do for some of us older guys to be for the next up. I just want to have a positive impact on all my teammates.”

On how difficult it is to perform in August…

“I really want to say there isn’t any difficulty, but we’re really just doing what Coach Saban wants us to do is really like what we focus on. I don’t think it’s anything it’s difficult right now. Right now we’re heading towards the end of camp and your body is kind of banged up. Really I think the focus is on taking care of our bodies and doing what we’re coached to do.”

On Jahmyr Gibbs and how he makes Alabama’s defense better…

“He’s different. Very dynamic can do anything. Run the ball, catch the ball, he’s shifty. He got me yesterday at practice in team run. I thought I can, you know, break down. He made me stop my feet and he stopped and kept going and he was gone. He’s a very dynamic piece to the offense and I’m glad we have him.”

On Alabama’s offensive line…

“They have a lot leadership on that side of the ball. A lot of guys who stepped up game, Darrian Dalcourt, Emil (Ekiyor Jr.), Kendall (Randolph) some of the older guys. Just the camaraderie, spending it together each other each and every day, and then us upfront pushing them as well. I’m really excited about we know what they’ll do.”

On the transformation of freshman Jaheim Oatis…

“Honestly coming from high school when you’re able to do we want to do, eat what you want to eat, it takes a lot of discipline and hard work. We have a great nutrition staff and he’s done everything that they’ve asked me to do. Yeah, I’m just happy for him to see the excitement on his face every time he dropped some weight. Every morning in the locker room he’ll say, ‘Hey, you heard about my weight today.’ I’m just happy for him. He’s worked really hard and done everything that everyone asked him to do. I’m proud of him.”

On Alabama’s DL playing a lot of different techniques…

“Whatever I’m coached to do. Whatever role that coach wants me to do or be part of a play, I’m happy to do it. Like Coach (Golding) said we have a dynamic group. Everyone for the most part can play different positions. Coach Pete is a genius so whatever he dials up we will be able to execute it.”