Alabama Star Defender Declares For NFL Draft

The reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Year announces he's turning his attention to the NFL Draft.

The No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide came up short in overtime against the No. 1 Michigan Wolverines on Monday. The defeat marks the conclusion of the 2023 season and thus brings on offseason announcements for a number of players.

Alabama star edge rusher Dallas Turner has informed the media in the locker room in Pasadena that he will leave the University of Alabama and opt for the NFL Draft. 

No surprise but Alabama standout edge Dallas Turner tells me he’s turning pro. “I’m gone. Ain’t no if, ands or buts about it.”

— Alex Scarborough (@ByScarborough) January 2, 2024

"I'm gone. Ain't no if, ands or buts about it," said Turner to ESPN's Alex Scarborough.

Turner was credited with two tackles including a sack in Monday afternoon's Rose Bowl. That gives him 11 sacks for the season to go along with his 14.5 tackles for loss. 

The former 5-star recruit in the 2021 recruiting class earned 2023 SEC Defensive Player of the Year and was a consensus All-American for the Crimson Tide.

The 6-foot-4 junior is expected to receive a high first round grade by NFL scouts and be one of the early selections in April's NFL Draft. Dane Brugler of The Athletic predicted Turner selected at No. 10 overall by the Tennessee Titans in his late-November mock draft. 

He's the first Alabama underclassman to opt to leave early but more will make similar announcements over the next week. 

Fans will await decisions from both cornerbacks Kool-Aid McKinstry and Terrion Arnold, as well as right tackle JC Latham. Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe has already announced his intentions to return to school for another year. 

The deadline to declare for the NFL Draft is Monday, Jan. 15. 

This story will be updated. 

Alabama Falls To Michigan in Rose Bowl, Wolverines Advance to National Championship