Dallas Turner shares advice Will Anderson gave him ahead of 2023 season
Dallas Turner lost his running mate Will Anderson to the NFL, but the Alabama star defender is using lessons learned from his former teammate ahead of the Crimson Tide’s new campaign.
Ahead of Alabama attempting to get back to the College Football Playoff, Turner carved out some media time, where he explained some advice Anderson, who’s now making plays with the Houston Texans, that he’s taking to heart.
“I talk to Will very frequently, to see how his mind is working, with the transition of going into the big leagues, the National Football League. Honestly, like the main thing he told me, just relax. Just relax. It’s all about football now. It’s not, just don’t put so much pressure on yourself. Because you know, the type of name and all the hype you have to quote-unquote, live up to. You know, just relax, and be you. Everything will fall in place,” said Turner. “But you know, Will is transitioning very good.
“He made a big play against the [Miami] Dolphins. Something you’d see every day in practice. So you know, I wasn’t too surprised.”
Alas, Dallas Turner will be keeping an eye on Will Anderson, and vice-versa. Success seems to be in both of their futures, as long as their talent keeps shining through wherever they’re playing.
Dallas Turner addresses importance of being a leader for Alabama
Continuing, Dallas Turner is ready to step up and be the unquestioned leader of the Alabama Crimson Tide defense in 2023.
While the talent has always been there, the opening hasn’t, as the aforementioned Will Anderson led the way for Alabama since Turner’s arrival. However, with Anderson now in the NFL with the Houston Texans, it’s up to Turner to takeover his role, which he’s not shied away from yet.
“It’s a new generation of college football now. So you know, just like me having the experience that I have, playing as a freshman and stuff. Knowing what it takes, and knowing what it takes to get to where you want to be. I could just echo that,” explained Turner. “Tell everybody, try to get everybody on the same page. Make sure everybody is ready to work for the season.”
Moreover, Turner is looking to continue to make good on his limitless potential, while taking his next step as a leader, as well. He recorded 10 tackles for a loss and 8.5 sacks during his freshman campaign. Numbers dropped just a tad during the 2022 season, going for 8.0 tackles for a loss and 4.5 sacks.
Time will tell if Dallas Turner can reach the heights of Will Anderson, but he’ll be damned if he doesn’t try. Nick Saban is certainly expecting a lot out of his, and the sky is the limit for the Crimson Tide if he can get there.