Dallas Turner is among top sophomores heading into 2022
Most of the discussion heading into the season will revolve around the wide receivers and for good reason. Offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien has work to do as they try and layout the rotation.
However, one strength of the team will be the pass rush. Over the last two seasons, Will Anderson Jr has played like a man possessed. He led the team with 81 quarterback pressures and 55 hurries. While he is Batman, the role of Robin belongs to sophomore Dallas Turner.
He stood out as the season came to a close. In 2022, he could be one of the top quarterback hunters behind his partner in crime. Bleacher Report’s Brad Shepard put together a list of the top 12 sophomores expected to have huge seasons in 2022. Turner checked in among the top 10.
Dallas Turner, No. 9 overall
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Turner came out guns blazing during the 2021 campaign when injuries paved the way for the talented freshman to shine. Despite not being a full-time starter for the entire season, Turner finished third on the team with 25 quarterback pressures to go with his 8.5 sacks.
Heading into year two, Turner and Anderson will be nightmares for opposing offensive coordinators to figure out.
What Bleacher Report Says…
He wasn’t expected to be much of a factor as a true freshman, working mostly on special teams early against Miami and Florida and getting extended snaps only against Mercer and Southern Mississippi.
As the season progressed and some injuries occurred, however, Turner found his way onto the field more. Boy, did he ever take advantage of the opportunities.
The 6’4″, 240-pound outside linebacker was a revelation playing opposite Will Anderson Jr., finishing the season with 30 tackles, including 10 tackles for loss to go with 8.5 sacks.
List
Five defensive players for Alabama with something to prove in 2022
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