Dallas Turner Says Alabama QB Battle is 'Iron Sharpens Iron Everyday'

Alabama's star edge rusher comments on the unique nature of the Crimson Tide quarterback battle.

Alabama head coach Nick Saban has been baking his starting quarterback cake for seven months. By all indication the cake is still in the oven with no signs of finishing soon, even with the 2023 season set to kick off in nine days.

Veteran edge rusher Dallas Turner said on Thursday the defense is doing its best to prepare for the new season, but he hasn't been able to see a discernible difference between the signal callers vying for the starting job.

"It's hard to tell," Turner said Thursday. "They rotate all the quarterbacks with different teams so like one might go with the first team, one might go with the second team or third team or fourth team, and it changes the next day. The quarterback battle is very challenging but everybody's good, literally. With the scrimmages, from what I see and during the preseason and stuff like that, it's iron sharpens iron everyday. So it's very unique to see."

Saban and new offensive coordinator Tommy Rees have been outspoken about the competitive character in the quarterback room as Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson both opted to stay with the Tide after the arrival of transfer Tyler Buchner. 

While the college football world may look at the Capstone and question the leadership and talent under center at Alabama, those inside the building appear to have a quiet confidence about this years team, regardless of who's playing quarterback. 

"Kind of have to block out the noise," offensive lineman Darrian Dalcourt said Thursday. "Focus on what's important. We know that everyday is an opportunity for everybody to show their skills and show what they can do. In the locker room we appreciate the fact that they're competing hard, that they're all giving their all so blocking out the noise and focusing on your job is what we think about."

For now the cake is clearly still in the oven, but the Crimson kitchen is filled with the sweet aroma of anticipation as the new season is almost here.

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