Nick Saban’s search to replace star defensive lineman Quinnen Williams is underway in spring practice.

Following Alabama’s second scrimmage Saturday, Saban spoke to the media, and he was asked about his young defensive linemen. Saban revealed that one of them, D.J. Dale, is already working some with the first team defense.

“DJ is playing some with the ones at nose,” said Saban. “He’s got good initial quickness, good power, strikes, seems to be pretty conscientious, shows a little maturity about being able to go out there and do his job.”

Dale is an early enrollee from Pinson, Alabama. The 6-foot-3, 323-pound lineman was rated as a 4-star prospect and ranked as the nation’s No. 18 overall defensive tackle and the state of Alabama’s No. 9 overall player for the class of 2019, according to 247Sports Composite Rankings.

Of course, nobody will replace Williams’ production and ability right off the bat, but Dale could certainly put a dent in it even in his first season.

Phidarian Mathis, Raekwon Davis and LaBryan Ray appear to be the first-team projected starters so far this spring, but developing Dale could be crucial for the overall success of this unit. That appears to be happening in Tuscaloosa.