Anderson Jr., To'o To'o, Young and Dale Speak on Day 2 at the 2023 NFL Combine

Former Crimson Tide standouts on the front seven spoke to reporters on Wednesday at the NFL Combine.

The 2023 NFL Combine got underway in Indianapolis on Tuesday — but the first Alabama Crimson Tide players appeared on Wednesday at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Those players?

Linebackers Will Anderson Jr. and Henry To'o To'o, and defensive linemen DJ Dale and Byron Young.

Will Anderson Jr.

Will Anderson Jr. on Bryce Young’s height:

“I would say Bryce played in the SEC. One of the best conferences in college football. Big defensive tackles, big defensive lineman, big pass rushers and took a lot of hits during his years there. I have all confidence in Bryce Young. If I was in the position to take him, I’m taking him.”

DJ Dale

Dale on his relationship with New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones:

"It was fun," Dale said. "Mac Jones is a guy that I feel like every locker room needs. He gets along with everyone, he's a great person, a good leader. It was great to have him as a leader on the team."

Dale on his relationship with Patriots defensive line coach DeMarcus Covington — his coach in the Senior Bowl:

"So it's a cool story," Dale said. "His dad actually coached me in baseball — in little league. […] It was great. It was like a 360 moment. His dad actually came to the hotel and we talked about some of the old times. I know his brother, his younger sister — so it was a cool experience."

Dale on Alabama-Patriots connection through Nick Saban and Bill Belichick:

"Obviously you notice it," Dale said. "I've watched their organization for a long time. [I'm a] Tom Brady fan, Randy Moss fan, Dont'a Hightower — all of those guys. So I'm aware of it. It's cool."

Dale on going up against Evan Neal in practice:

"Lot of great battles," Dale said. "Especially freshman year when he was playing more of a guard instead of tackle. We went at it every single day — learned from each other, got better going against each other. Evan is who he is. He was picked this high for a reason. Evan is going to be great."

Byron Young

Young on being apart of the Alabama championship culture:

"Alabama means a lot to me," Young said. "I have a lot of people there who I still care about. I think it's like a family. I can go back there anytime. Being a part of a national championship — that was a great experience. More so than that, just being around everyone everyday, practices and building those relationships with my teammates — that was the most important thing for me."

Young on his relationship with Patriots defensive lineman Christian Barmore:

"Barmore is like my brother," Young said. "He's a great guy on and off the field. I had a great relationship with him from the beginning."

Young on his final season at Alabama:

"I think it was really just having to wait my turn," Young said. "I had a lot of guys in front of me who were older. They did the same thing — they waited their turn. […] Being able to come in this year and have an impact, help my team win — it meant a lot to me."

Young on the SEC:

"I think we play the best football in the country when it comes to college football," Young said. "There's really no better place to play than the SEC. I think most of the best players that come to the NFL come out of the SEC. […] People bleed for SEC football down there."

Young on what stands out to him about Will Anderson Jr.:

"His character," Young said. "Obviously he's a great football player but I think he's an even better person."

Young on Alabama players to look out for in the future:

"I think there are a lot of names," Young said. "Obviously you look at both of the quarterbacks — Ty Simpson and Jalen Milroe. Defensive lineman Jaheim Oatis, Tim Smith [and] Jamil Burroughs. We've got a lot of guys that played last year that are coming back and a lot of guys that are going to make a name for themselves next year."

Young on the best tackle he faced this season at Alabama:

"Probably JC Latham," Young said. "He's a young guy, but he's a great player. He's wise beyond his years."

Henry To'o To'o

Henry To'o To'o on what sets him apart from other LBs in NFL draft:

"My instincts, how smart I am and how physical I am at times. I think that being able to be who I am and how smart and how quick I can diagnose things, I think I'm second to none."

Henry To’o To’o on Alabama’s returning players: 

“There’s a lot of guys that are gonna be able to contribute and get back to where Alabama should be. We didn’t do a great job of that last year, but definitely, I think our guys are gonna do a great job of that this year.”

Alabama LB Henry To’o To’o attributed his background in rugby to his toughness: 

“Rugby is big in Polynesian culture — if you’re not tough and you’re Samoan something is wrong with you.”

This story may be updated.

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