TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — It turns out that University of Alabama junior linebacker Reggie Ragland certainly knew what he was talking about when predicting that one of his teammates would be the “Dark horse of the defense.”

He said that about sophomore linebacker Ryan Anderson, who after redshirting in 2012 had only tallied five career tackles and 1½ sacks.

Through three games this season Anderson and senior linebacker Xzavier Dickson are tied for the team lead in sacks with two each.

“Those two guys have done a really, really good job so far this year in terms of what their production has been in the pass rush,” Coach Nick Saban said. “Having those guys improving in those roles certainly gives us more guys that we could play in the edge positions. I think that having press guys to be able to rush is really important.”

Heading into Saturday’s game against Florida (3:30 p.m. ET, CBS), Alabama’s defense has notched seven sacks. Thanks to this somewhat surprising duo that’s well ahead of last year’s pace even though none of the returning players who had more than one in 2013 have reached a quarterback yet.

While their younger counterparts, Rashaan Evans and Tim Williams have gotten significant attention due their burst off the line, Anderson and Dickson have made the most of their opportunities.

While Anderson had previously spent most of his time on special teams, Dickson started six games and played in 33 during his first three seasons. He had 49 tackles, including 8½ for a loss and five sacks, a pass deflection and one forced fumble.

“He’s going out there this year,” sophomore defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson said. “Both of them have been working hard in the offseason, watching film when they need to, working on the things they needed to improve on in the offseason, and now it’s beginning to pay off.”

Now Alabama’s defense just needs to improve in another statistical category, turnovers. Ragland has the only fumble recovery and no one has made an interception yet.

“That’s our main focus right now,” Tomlinson said.