Dallas Turner started out his athletic career on the basketball hard courts. Over the years, he grew to 6’4”/235 and found himself more suited for the gridiron at defensive end. Despite his growth spurt, he maintains the speed to run down any poor soul who thinks they can get around the end on him becoming one of the top edge rushers in the country. His massive wingspan and big hands help him shed blockers and get to the ball carrier.

Turner had 75 tackles, 19 for a loss, a mind-blowing 16 sacks, and three forced fumbles last season at American Heritage School and was named MaxPreps High School Junior All-American. He is ranked as a high 4-star and No. 44 overall by the 247sports composite ranking. For what it is worth, ESPN gives him a full 5-stars as the 13th best player in the land. He has great potential at end or Jack linebacker at the Capstone.

After several years at AHS, Turner transferred to powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in January. The main reason for the move was the opportunity to work with first year defensive coordinator and NFL Hall of Famer Jason Taylor.

There should be some familiarity for Turner at Alabama with AHS graduate Patrick Surtain II on the roster. Braylen Ingraham and Jordan Battle both attended STA. Daniel Wright is from Fort Lauderdale (Boyd Anderson HS) as well.

This commit once again comes courtesy of Bama running backs coach Charles Huff with assistance from DC Pete Golding. Turner picked the Crimson Tide over UGA followed by Florida and Michigan. Alabama now has ten commitments for 2021, FIVE of whom play in the Sunshine State.

BAMA PLAYERS FROM MIAMI METRO AREA

*unsigned

TEAM RANKINGS

Some Alabama fans have been wringing their hands over the low team ranking of the Tide for the Class of 2021 (but not you guys, right? We’re too smart for that). As stated in previous posts, it is the low quantity of commitments that causes the algorithm to push the Crimson Tide down into the 20s. A closer look reveals that #25 Bama is behind the likes of #21 Rutgers because the Scarlet Knights have 21 commits as opposed to Alabama’s ten. However, 20 of the 21 Rutgers commits are 3-stars or lower. Hypothetically if Alabama DID sign only ten, it would be worthy of a #25 ranking. Once Nick Saban fills this class, they will jet past all these teams. In addition, many of the Tide commits will likely get improved rankings once the crootniks see them play.

It is generally believed that Alabama can take as many as 27 in this class, though Saban won’t reach that number just because he can. The Tide class already has two 5-stars with Turner on the verge of being in that group.

Bama also has excellent chances at landing fellow 5-stars Tommy Brockermeyer, Ga’Quincy McKinstry, and maybe Damon Payne. Outside of a few tight end prospects and a long snapper, there are very few recruits with rankings below 4-stars that the Tide is seriously looking at right now.

TL;DR?

Be patient. This class will finish in the top 3.

CURRENT 2021 COMMITS

• JC Latham OT Chicago, IL (IMG, FL) 6’6”/305, #17 247sports comp.
• Jacorey Brooks WR Miami, FL 6’3”/180 #27
• Dallas Turner DE/OLB Ft. Lauderdale, FL 6’4”/235 #44
• Agiye Hall WR Valricio, FL 6’2”/183 #70
• Deontae Lawson LB Mobile, AL 6’3”/215 #111
• Christian Leary WR Orlando, FL 5’9”/190 #126
• Kaine Williams S Marrero, LA 6’2”/190 #155
• Ian Jackson LB Prattville, AL 6’1”/210 #234
• Devonta Smith CB Cincinnati, OH 6’0”/185 #400
• Anquin Barnes DT Montgomery, AL 6’5”/310 #487

STAY TUNED

A good deal of buzz is going around that Alabama may get a few more commits this weekend.

#RollTide #NSD2021