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 Data Scout Notes: **2022: 01/02/23-Announced Early Entry into 2023 NFL Draft...NagurskiWinner/LottIMPACTWinner/LombardiWinner/WCamp1st/BednarikWinner/DPOYC/1stC...PWCampPOY/P1stC/PBednarik/PLombardi/PWalterCamp1st/PNagurski/PMaxwell/PLott...**2021: NagurskiWinner/DPOYC/WCamp1st/1stC/BednarikFinalist...PButkus/PNagurski/PBednarik...2020: ARTC



  , , Player News

  01/15/23 - DE *Will Anderson Jr.Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

  Former Alabama outside linebacker Will Anderson and defensive back Brian Branch signed with the same NFL agent ahead of the league's Jan. 16 deadline for underclassmen to officially enter the draft. NFL agent Nicole Lynn shared photos Friday afternoon of Anderson and Branch signing with Klutch Sports. Lynn represents 21 current NFL players according to NFLPA records, including three former Alabama players in Quinnen Williams, Jalen Hurts and Phidarian Mathis.

Anderson verbally declared for the 2023 draft at a news conference alongside teammates Bryce Young and Jahmyr Gibbs on Jan. 2, and Branch announced the same later that day on social media. The NFL gives until Monday for juniors to finalize their decisions, with a full list of underclassmen entering the draft distributed next Friday. - Birmingham News


(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023 DE *Will Anderson Jr.Alabama
News Source: Birmingham News
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  01/04/23 - DE *Will Anderson Jr.Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

  What became obvious not long after Will Anderson stepped foot on Alabama's campus three years ago became official Monday: the star outside linebacker will enter the NFL draft. Anderson was a three-year starter who made an immediate impact on Alabama's national championship team in 2020 and was considered among college football's best players the past two seasons. He made his announcement at a news conference with Nick Saban and two other juniors entering the 2023 draft, Bryce Young and Jahmyr Gibbs. Saban made it clear other juniors could decide later to enter.

Anderson as one of the most accomplished players in program history and among the more decorated defensive players in college football history. "These past three years have been the best years of my life," Anderson said Monday. He is the school's only two-time unanimous All-American, a two-time winner of the Nagurski Trophy and SEC defensive player of the year, and also won the Bednarik Award, Lombardi Award and Lott Trophy this season. He started on Alabama's undefeated national championship team as a freshman in 2020 and was named a permanent team captain after both is sophomore and junior seasons. Anderson's 34.5 career sacks place him second in the school's record book behind Derrick Thomas' 52 over four seasons in the late 1980s. As a sophomore in 2021, Anderson led Division I with 17.5 sacks and had 34.5 tackles for loss - 12.5 more than any other player in the country. His 10 sacks led the team again this season. It has been almost 75 years since Alabama last had a player drafted No. 1 overall to the NFL. Harry Gilmer, selected by Washington at the start of the 1948 draft, was the Tide's last top pick. - Birmingham News


(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023 DE *Will Anderson Jr.Alabama
News Source: Birmingham News
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  12/19/22 - DE *Will Anderson Jr.Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

  The story of the day was Bryce Young and Will Anderson opting to play in the Sugar Bowl instead of getting the NFL draft head start. Headlines came just before Alabama hit the practice field for the first workout for the buildup to the Dec. 31 game with Big 12 champion Kansas State. Nick Saban commented on those decisions after that practice Friday evening. He said he spoke with both Young and Anderson about the topic and weighed the pros and cons of the situation but it was ultimately up to each player to make that call.

Saban also noted that Alabama "minimized the risk of them playing in the game by insuring them the best we possibly can." Schools can take out insurance policies in the event of major injuries impacting players' future earnings in the NFL. "It's kinda interesting that people opt out for playing for their team," Saban said. "The way you create value for yourself is to play football. That is the best way you can create value for your future. When you do that against good competition, that creates value for your future. I hear guys say all the time 'I'm going to get ready for the NFL.' Well, what do you mean? Getting ready for the Combine? All the things you do at the Combine aren't even relevant to what you do on the football field. Every time you have an opportunity to compete -- if you're a great competitor and I think these two guys are great competitors - that's why they wanted to play. They wanted to continue to create value for themselves and be good teammates and help their teammates play well in the game. "That makes them a little old fashioned in a lot of ways, but I sort of respect that." - Birmingham News


(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023 DE *Will Anderson Jr.Alabama
News Source: Birmingham News
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  12/11/22 - DE *Will Anderson Jr.Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

  2022 LOTT IMPACT TROPHY WINNER: Will Anderson Jr., Alabama,...The junior outside linebacker earned the honor a day after graduating. It's the fourth trophy Anderson picked up in a week. His haul includes the Nagurski, Lombardi and Bednarik awards. Hall of Fame safety Ronnie Lott presented Anderson with the award at the Pacific Club in Newport Beach. It goes to a player with strong academic work, community involvement and team leadership. Anderson ranks second on Alabama's career sacks list with 34.5. He led the SEC in that category with 10 this season. He has yet to announce whether he will play for No. 5 Alabama in the Sugar Bowl against 11th-ranked Kansas State on Dec. 31 or enter next year's NFL draft.

Anderson is the second Alabama player to win the Lott Trophy, joining DeMeco Ryans in 2005. Alabama will receive $25,000 for its general scholarship fund. The Lott IMPACT Trophy is awarded annually to individuals who demonstrate excellence in the field of athletics and recognizes college football's Defensive Player of the Year who best exemplifies the IMPACT acronym: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity. - AP College Football/Pacific Club


(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023 DE *Will Anderson Jr.Alabama
News Source: AP College Football/Pacific Club
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  12/09/22 - DE *Will Anderson Jr.Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

  2022 WALTER CAMP FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICAN: LB Will Anderson, Jr., Alabama,...Anderson, Jr. adds the Bednarik to his already impressive haul of awards after being named the Nagurski Trophy winner on Monday and the Lombardi Award recipient yesterday evening...The Tide's first player to earn first team All-America honors in consecutive seasons since Alex Leatherwood (2019-20)...Also tabbed as the SEC Defensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press and the league coaches. - Alabama Football

(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023 DE *Will Anderson Jr.Alabama
News Source: Alabama Football
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  12/08/22 - DE *Will Anderson Jr.Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

  The 133rd edition of the Walter Camp All-America team, the nation's oldest college football All-America team has been released. Twenty-five players were selected to the first team by the 131 Football Bowl Subdivision head coaches and sports information directors. In addition, 27 players were selected to the Second Team. In all, 35 different schools from 10 conferences (including independents) were represented on the All-America First and Second Teams (a total of 52 players selected). Overall, the Big Ten Conference has the most honorees (20; 9 first teamers and 11 second teamers), followed by the Southeastern Conference (11; 6 first teamers and 5 second teamers).

Georgia, Michigan, Ohio State, USC and Notre Dame each have two First Team selections. Ohio State has four players - two on the First Team and two on the Second Team - recognized. Penn State had three Second Team selections, while Illinois has one First Team selection and two on the Second Team. Two players on the 2022 Walter Camp All-America teams are repeat selections. First Team selection Will Anderson, Jr. (Alabama) was a First Team honoree in 2021. In addition, Second Team placekicker Jake Moody (Michigan) was a First Team honoree last season. - The Walter Camp Football Foundation


(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023 DE *Will Anderson Jr.Alabama
News Source: The Walter Camp Football Foundation
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  12/08/22 - DE *Will Anderson Jr.Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

  2022 CHUCK BEDNARIK AWARD WINNER: Will Anderson Jr., Alabama,...One of the top defenders in all of college football who has put together another standout 2022 campaign...Selected as a permanent team captain for the 2022 team, his second year in a row receiving the honor from his teammates...Part of UA's leadership group, as selected by head coach Nick Saban...Totaled 17 tackles for loss (-72 yards) and 10 sacks (-54 yards) to lead the SEC in both categories. Ranks sixth nationally in sacks and seventh in tackles for loss while leading the SEC in both categories. - Alabama Football

(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023 DE *Will Anderson Jr.Alabama
News Source: Alabama Football
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  12/08/22 - DE *Will Anderson Jr.Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

  2022 CHUCK BEDNARIK AWARD FINALIST (DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR): Will Anderson Jr., Alabama,...Alabama's Will Anderson Jr. was named a finalist for the Bednarik Award, the Maxwell Football Club announced on Tuesday. The linebacker is one of three finalists and is joined by Cincinnati's Ivan Pace Jr. and Tuli Tuipulotu of USC. Alabama has had two Bednarik winners in program history, including Minkah Fitzpatrick most recently in 2017, one year removed from Jonathan Allen taking home the honors in 2016. The Bednarik Award is presented annually to the top defensive player in college football as chosen by the Maxwell Football Club. The 2022 winner will be announced live as part of ESPN's Home Depot College Football Awards Show on Dec. 8. He leads the SEC and is tied for sixth nationally with 10 sacks (-54 yards). Also paces the conference in tackles for loss with 17 (-72 yards), good for seventh in Division I - Alabama Football

(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023 DE *Will Anderson Jr.Alabama
News Source: Alabama Football
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  12/08/22 - DE *Will Anderson Jr.Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

  2022 ALL-SEC FIRST TEAM (COACHES): LB Will Anderson Jr., Alabama,...Anderson Jr. leads the SEC and is tied for seventh nationally with 17 tackles for loss (-72 yards)...also tops in the conference and is tied for sixth in the country in sacks with 10 (-54 yards)...totaled 51 tackles on the year...contributed a team-leading 12 quarterback hurries. - Alabama Football

(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023 DE *Will Anderson Jr.Alabama
News Source: Alabama Football
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  12/07/22 - DE *Will Anderson Jr.Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

  2022 ROTARY LOMBARDI AWARD WINNER: Alabama football's Will Anderson Jr. was selected as the 2022 winner of Rotary Lombardi Award, the Rotary Club of Houston announced on Wednesday night. Anderson Jr. was joined by Brock Bowers and Jalen Carter of Georgia along with Tuli Tuipulotu of USC to make up the finalist list. Anderson Jr. is the Crimson Tide's third Lombardi winner in history. Alabama's most recent winner was Jonathan Allen in 2016 with Cornelius Bennett serving as the program's first recipient in 2016. The Rotary Lombardi Award, now in its 49th year, is presented annually to the college football offensive or defensive lineman, who in addition to outstanding performance and ability, best exemplifies the character and discipline of NFL Hall of Fame head coach Vince Lombardi. - Alabama Football

(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023 DE *Will Anderson Jr.Alabama
News Source: Alabama Football
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  12/07/22 - DE *Will Anderson Jr.Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

  2022 SEC FOOTBALL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Will Anderson Jr., Alabama,...Anderson ranks sixth nationally in sacks and seventh in tackles for loss while leading the SEC in both categories. He totaled 51 tackles on the year, including 17 for loss and 10 sacks. Anderson is the first player to be named SEC Defensive Player of the Year two consecutive seasons since the award's inception in 2003. - SEC Football

(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023 DE *Will Anderson Jr.Alabama
News Source: SEC Football
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  12/06/22 - DE *Will Anderson Jr.Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

  2022 BRONKO NAGURSKI AWARD WINNER: Alabama football's Will Anderson Jr. was selected as the 2022 winner of the Nagurski Trophy, the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) and Charlotte Touchdown Club announced on Monday evening at the Charlotte Convention Center. Anderson Jr., who was joined by Calijah Kancey (Pittsburgh), Chris Smith (Georgia) and Tuli Tuipulotu (USC) to make up this year's finalist list, became the second player in the 30-year history of the Nagurksi Trophy to earn the honor in consecutive seasons (Northwestern's Pat Fitzgerald won it in 1995 and 1996). He also joined Jonathan Allen, the 2016 honoree, as the only two Alabama players to win the Nagurski in program history.

The reigning Nagurski Trophy winner who has put together another standout season in 2022, Anderson Jr. totaled 51 tackles on the year, including 17 for loss (-72 yards) and 10 sacks (-54 yards). He ranks sixth nationally in sacks and seventh in tackles for loss while leading the SEC in both categories. The Bronko Nagurski Trophy has been presented annually since 1993 to the top defensive player in college football as voted on by the members of the FWAA. The award is named after Bronko Nagurski, who played football for the University of Minnesota and the Chicago Bears. - Alabama Football


(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023 DE *Will Anderson Jr.Alabama
News Source: Alabama Football
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  11/16/22 - DE *Will Anderson Jr.Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

  2022 BRONKO NAGURSKI TROPHY FINALIST: Will Anderson Jr., LB, Alabama (6-4, 243, Jr., Hampton, Ga.): The 2021 Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner will have a chance to match Pat Fitzgerald of Northwestern (1995-96) as the Trophy's only repeat winner. The junior linebacker has had another standout season for the Crimson Tide. He leads Alabama in tackles for loss (14.0, t-11th in FBS) and sacks (8.0, t-12th) with combined losses totaling 103 yards. Anderson led the nation in both categories last year at 17.5 sacks and 34.5 TFL's (an NCAA record since 2000). He is currently in the top three of Alabama's career lists in both categories. He has recorded at least one tackle for loss in 28 of his 38 career games. Anderson is tied for seventh on the team with 42 overall tackles (18 solos), has an interception with a 25-yard return for a touchdown, and owns 10 quarterback hurries. In addition to Anderson in 2021, Alabama's other Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner was defensive end Jonathan Allen in 2016. The Crimson Tide has now had finalists in 11 of the last 12 seasons. - Football Writers Association of America

(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023 DE *Will Anderson Jr.Alabama
News Source: Football Writers Association of America
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  09/26/22 - DE *Will Anderson Jr.Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

  SEPT 26 SEC CO-DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Will Anderson Jr., LB, Alabama,...Anderson was his vintage self in a 55-3 victory over Vanderbilt in the SEC opener...Recorded 3.0 tackles for loss (-17 yard) and 2.5 sacks (-16 yards)...Credited with five tackles, including three solo stops in just 24 snaps of defense...Helped limit Vanderbilt to just three points, 14 yards rushing and just 129 yards of total offense. - SEC Football

(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023 DE *Will Anderson Jr.Alabama
News Source: SEC Football
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  09/13/22 - DE *Will Anderson Jr.Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

  TRACKING TOP DRAFT PROSPECTS - WEEK 2: 1. Will Anderson Jr., Jr, OLB, Alabama, 6-3, 243, 1,...Anderson had good and bad moments in a 20-19 win over Texas with two tackles, three assists and key sack in the fourth quarter that forced the Longhorns to settle for a field goal. He also committed a couple of senseless penalties, including a late hit that opened the way for a field goal that put Texas ahead, 13-10. Previous week, No.1: In Alabama's resounding 55-0 season-opening win over Utah State Saturday, was a factor. His personal stats weren't huge - five total tackles, three solo - but his play was, including a tackle that blew up Utah running back Logan Bonner that validated the linebacker's moniker "The Terminator." - Frank Cooney/NFL Draft Scout

(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023 DE *Will Anderson Jr.Alabama
News Source: Frank Cooney/NFL Draft Scout
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  09/08/22 - DE *Will Anderson Jr.Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

  TRACKING TOP DRAFT PROSPECTS - WEEK 1: 1. Will Anderson Jr., Jr, OLB, Alabama, 6-3, 243,...In Alabama's resounding 55-0 season-opening win over Utah State Saturday, OLB Will Anderson quickly showed why he is NFL Draft Scout's top-rated player. His personal stats weren't huge - five total tackles, three solo - but his play was. In the first quarter, with the Tide leading 17-0, he blew up Utah State running back Logan Bonner, creating a vid that went viral as Anderson showed why he is called "The Terminator." - Frank Cooney/NFL Draft Scout

(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023 DE *Will Anderson Jr.Alabama
News Source: Frank Cooney/NFL Draft Scout
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  09/02/22 - DE *Will Anderson Jr.Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

  The university presidents who oversee the College Football Playoff voted Friday to expand the postseason model for determining a national champion from four to 12 teams no later than the 2026 season. The university leaders who make up the CFP's Board of Managers would like to have the new format in place as soon as the 2024 season, if possible. "This is an historic and exciting day for college football," said Mississippi State President Mark Keenum, the chairman of the board. "More teams, more participation and more excitement are good for our fans, alumni, and student-athletes." A process that started 14 1/2 months ago with an optimistic rollout of an ambitious plan, and then was derailed as conference leaders haggled over details and questioned each other's motivations, is now finally moving forward

In a unanimous vote, the presidents approved the original 12-team proposal that called for the six highest-ranked conference champions and six at-large picks, as determined by a selection committee, to make the playoff. The top four seeds would be conference champions and receive byes into the second round. First-round games would be played on campus and the rest at bowl sites. A 12-team, 11-game postseason system to crown a champion could be worth as much as $2 billion in media rights to the conferences that play major college football, starting in 2026. If the new format can be implemented before the current 12-year contract with ESPN expires after the 2025 season, the conferences could make an additional $450 million over the final two years. The current deal pays about $470 million per year. Beyond 2025, there is no TV contract for a playoff. The plan is to take the new format to the open market and involve multiple TV partners instead of just ESPN. - AP College Football


(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023 DE *Will Anderson Jr.Alabama
News Source: AP College Football
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  09/01/22 - DE *Will Anderson Jr.Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

  ESPN TOP 100 PRESEASON 2022 CFB PLAYERS (Selected Aug. 17): No. 1. Will Anderson Jr., OLB, Alabama, Junior. Notable 2021 stats: 101 tackles (57 solo), 17.5 sacks. Last year's ranking: 10. Last season's Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner could be next year's No. 1 overall draft pick. The former Freshman of the Year emerged as one of the best players in college football as a sophomore, leading the country in sacks (17.5) and tackles for loss (34.5). - ESPN.com

(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023 DE *Will Anderson Jr.Alabama
News Source: ESPN.com
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  08/29/22 - DE *Will Anderson Jr.Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

  2022 COACHES PRESEASON ALL-SEC FIRST TEAM: LB - Will Anderson Jr., Alabama,...Anderson Jr. led the nation in tackles for loss with 34.5 (-148 yards) in 2021, a total that finished second in the Alabama single-season ranks...also contributed 17.5 sacks (-108 yards) to pace all Division I defenders and rank third in UA single-season history...accumulated 102 total tackles, good for second on UA, while adding a team-high nine quarterback hurries to go with three pass breakups. - Alabama Football

(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023 DE *Will Anderson Jr.Alabama
News Source: Alabama Football
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  08/22/22 - DE *Will Anderson Jr.Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

  Alabama stars Bryce Young and Will Anderson Jr. are among four players from the top-ranked Crimson Tide selected to The Associated Press preseason All-America team. Joining Young, the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback, and Anderson, the star pass rusher, were Alabama defensive backs Jordan Battle and Eli Ricks as first-team selections. The AP preseason All-America team presented by Regions Bank was selected by a panel of Top 25 poll voters and released Monday. Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs made the second team as an all-purpose player and Crimson Tide guard Emil Ekiyor was also a second-team selection. Alabama's four first-teamers and six players on the two teams overall were the most for any school. - AP College Football

(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023 DE *Will Anderson Jr.Alabama
News Source: AP College Football
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  08/15/22 - DE *Will Anderson Jr.Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

  With two of the best players in the country leading the way - and a championship game loss as motivation - Alabama is No. 1 in The Associated Press preseason college football poll for the second straight season and ninth time overall. Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young, national defensive player of year Will Anderson Jr. and the Crimson Tide received 54 of 63 first-place votes and 1,566 points in the Top 25 presented by Regions Bank released on Monday.

Ohio State is No. 2 with six first-place votes (1,506 points) from the media panel and defending national champion Georgia is third with three first-place votes (1,455 points). Clemson is No. 4. Notre Dame rounds out the top five, setting up a tantalizing opener at Ohio State on Sept. 3. The Tide's preseason No. 1 ranking is the seventh in 15 years under coach Nick Saban. Since the preseason rankings started in 1950, only Oklahoma with 10 has been No. 1 in the initial poll more often than Alabama. - AP College Football


(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023 DE *Will Anderson Jr.Alabama
News Source: AP College Football
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  08/11/22 - DE *Will Anderson Jr.Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

  The Alabama preseason camp of 2021 came with legitimate questions about leadership. A power vacuum opened after losing such a veteran-stocked group that powered a national title run. The next few months validated those concerns as the Crimson Tide struggled to find the right voices. Linebacker Will Anderson was just a sophomore but stood up to fill the void, challenging teammates when their mindset wasn't up to standard. A year later, the All-American is an unquestioned voice among the leadership group in the Crimson Tide locker room. He offered an early evaluation of the mood as Alabama continues its first week of preseason camp. "There's not a lot of knuckleheads in the locker room," Anderson said bluntly, "no negativity in the locker room. Everybody's been bought in and committed and all into what we have going on this year."

The leadership group includes Anderson, defensive lineman DJ Dale, safety Jordan Battle, linebacker Henry To'o To'o and quarterback Bryce Young. Anderson said the group met with Nick Saban on Sunday. "Everybody's been very receptive of what we've been trying to get across," Anderson said, "the messages that we've been trying to get across to the team." Twice last season Anderson went public when he saw the team losing the mental edge -- first after a near loss at Florida and again after falling at Texas A&M. He didn't like the mindset, and though he was on the younger side, he couldn't sit back and say nothing after seeing what he saw. He sees a better disposition with the 2022 Crimson Tide. - Birmingham News


(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023 DE *Will Anderson Jr.Alabama
News Source: Birmingham News
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  08/11/22 - DE *Will Anderson Jr.Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

  2022 PRESEASON ROTARY LOMBARDI AWARD WATCHLIST: Will Anderson Jr., Alabama, Jr OLB,...One of the top defenders in all of college football who enters his junior season in 2022...Selected as a unanimous first team All-American and the SEC Defensive Player of the Year as a sophomore...Led the country in tackles for loss with 34.5 (-148 yards) and sacks at 17.5 (-108 yards) in 2021...Accumulated 102 total tackles to rank second on UA while adding a team-high nine quarterback pressures a season ago. - Alabama Football

(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023 DE *Will Anderson Jr.Alabama
News Source: Alabama Football
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  08/08/22 - DE *Will Anderson Jr.Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

  Alabama was voted No. 1 in the preseason USA Today coaches' poll released Monday, with Ohio State second and defending national champion Georgia third. The Associated Press preseason Top 25 will be released Aug. 15. The Crimson Tide received 54 first-place votes from a panel of 66 major college football coaches. Alabama is coming off a loss in the College Football Playoff title game to Georgia. The Buckeyes received five first-place votes and the Bulldogs got six. No. 18 Texas also received a first-place vote. Clemson was No. 4 and Notre Dame was No. 5. Michigan, coming off its first CFP appearance, was sixth, followed by Texas A&M, Utah, Oklahoma and Baylor. - AP College Football

(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023 DE *Will Anderson Jr.Alabama
News Source: AP College Football
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  08/04/22 - DE *Will Anderson Jr.Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

  Among the more commonly repeated Nick Saban quotes, also oft-attributed to late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, one lays bare the difficulty of motivating others: "If you want to make everyone happy, don't be a leader; sell ice cream." Preseason football practice gets underway at Alabama this week, and as the next few weeks pass, leadership on the team will take shape, just as lineups, depth and personnel packages do. Two people we know won't be selling any ice cream are quarterback Bryce Young and linebacker Will Anderson, both of whom were voted by teammates as permanent captains of the 2021 team.

Their coach described their leadership skills as on par with their prolific on-field talent at SEC Media Days last month. "These guys have not only been great players, they've contributed from a leadership standpoint probably as significantly as any leaders that we've had - and we've had some really good leaders in our program and organization," Saban said. That puts them in a category with Dont'a Hightower, Barrett Jones, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and some of the most inspirational players to come through UA in the last 15 years. Young and Anderson, however, can't do it alone. - The Tuscaloosa News


(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023 DE *Will Anderson Jr.Alabama
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  08/03/22 - DE *Will Anderson Jr.Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

  2022 PRESEASON CHUCK BEDNARIK AWARD WATCH LIST: Will Anderson, Alabama, Junior LB,...led the nation in tackles for loss with 34.5 (-148 yards) in 2021, a total that finished second in the Alabama single-season ranks ... also contributed 17.5 sacks (-108 yards) to pace all Division I defenders and rank third in UA single-season history ... accumulated 102 total tackles, good for second on UA, while adding a team-high nine quarterback hurries to go with three pass breakups. - Alabama Football

(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023 DE *Will Anderson Jr.Alabama
News Source: Alabama Football
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  08/03/22 - DE *Will Anderson Jr.Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

  2022 PRESEASON WALTER CAMP PLAYER OF YEAR PLAYER TO WATCH: Will Anderson, LB, junior, Alabama,...Selected as the Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner, presented annually to the nation's top defensive player in 2021 ... unanimous first team All-American (AFCA, Associated Press, FWAA, The Sporting News, Walter Camp) ... led the nation in tackles for loss with 34.5 (-148 yards), a total that finished second in the Alabama single-season ranks ... also contributed 17.5 sacks (-108 yards) to pace all Division I defenders and rank third in UA single-season history. - Alabama Football

(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023 DE *Will Anderson Jr.Alabama
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  07/28/22 - DE *Will Anderson Jr.Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

  2022 PRESEASON BRONKO NAGURSKI TROPHY WATCHLIST: LB Will Anderson Jr., Alabama,...Selected as the Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner, presented annually to the nation's top defensive player in 2021... selected as one of the Crimson Tide's permanent team captains for the 2021 ... led the nation in tackles for loss with 34.5 (-148 yards), a total that finished second in the Alabama single-season ranks ... also contributed 17.5 sacks (-108 yards) to pace all Division I defenders and rank third in UA single-season history. - Alabama Football

(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023 DE *Will Anderson Jr.Alabama
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  07/27/22 - DE *Will Anderson Jr.Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

  Will Anderson can easily make his way to second place on Alabama's all-time sacks chart this season, but he's got a long way to go to catch Derrick Thomas, who was credited with 52 sacks from 1985-88 in years before sacks were included as official NCAA stats. Anderson, who had 17.5 sacks last season to lead the FBS, will open the season with 24.5 career sacks, fourth on the Alabama list behind Thomas, Jonathan Allen (28) and Kindal Moorehead (25). "I'm going to approach the season just like I approached it last year," Anderson said when asked about chasing sack records. "I'm just going to be Will Anderson. I'm not going to try to do anything special. I'm not going to go out there and try to be a hero. I'm just going to go out there and be myself, be the player that I was when I first got here and just help my teammates play good team football."

Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson was asked what he thought of Alabama outside linebacker Will Anderson's "game," and how difficult he is to prepare to play. "He's a dog," Jefferson said. "I love his game, He's very explosive and athletic. Going into the preparation for that week and Will Anderson, the main thing was just to try to get double-teams on him to slow him down, try to knock him off his path a little bit because once he gets going he's hard to stop." - Northwest Arkansas Times


(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023 DE *Will Anderson Jr.Alabama
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  07/26/22 - DE *Will Anderson Jr.Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

  The Football Writers Association of America released its 2022 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List today, selecting 85 defensive standouts from 61 schools in all 10 Division I FBS conferences plus independents. The watch list roster includes five returning players from last season's FWAA All-America team including 2021 winner Will Anderson Jr. of Alabama, five of the top 13 tacklers from last season, the top two sack leaders and six of the top 13, and two players in the secondary who each had five interceptions last year. The FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club will announce finalists for the 2022 trophy on Nov. 16 and the winner will be unveiled Dec. 5 at the Bronko Nagurski Awards Banquet in Charlotte, N.C.

Anderson, the Alabama linebacker who earned consensus All-America status as well as the 2021 Bronko Nagurski Trophy, headlines a trio of returning All-Americans coming off First Team honors. Anderson did it all last year for the College Football Playoff runner-up Crimson Tide, leading the nation in sacks with 17.5 to go with 33.5 tackles for loss and 101 total tackles – 57 solos – in his 15-game season. - Football Writers Association of America


(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023 DE *Will Anderson Jr.Alabama
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  07/22/22 - DE *Will Anderson Jr.Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

  One of the many qualities that has endeared Will Anderson to Alabama fans was his decision last season to focus on football instead of pursuing financial gain from his name, image and likeness. Anderson said last November he would wait until after the season to strike NIL deals, a comment that drew praise from fans at the time as "refreshing" and "smart." But as the star pass rusher enters his junior and almost certainly final college season -- he is set to graduate in December -- Anderson has decided it is the right time to embrace NIL opportunities.

"I've been doing NIL deals," Anderson confirmed Tuesday at SEC media days in Atlanta. "It has [changed my life] a lot. It's been tremendous. It's been able to help me and family. I put money aside for, like of course myself, but I'm really doing NIL to help my family out a lot. "I don't want my parents to be stressing, worrying about how to get to my games, any of that stuff like that. To be able to take care of all that, help them out, make sure they're living well enough to balance everything out has been great." Anderson said during an appearance earlier this month on Atlanta's 92.9 The Game that he is driving a 2021 Porsche Cayenne GTS, which currently has resale prices in excess of $120,000. "It's smooth," he said. - Birmingham News


(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023 DE *Will Anderson Jr.Alabama
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  07/19/22 - DE *Will Anderson Jr.Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

  2022 PRESEASON MAXWELL AWARD WATCH LIST: Will Anderson Jr., Alabama,...After a sensational sophomore season Alabama linebacker Will Anderson Jr. returns with high expectations. In 2021 he was selected as the Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner, presented annually to the nation's top defensive player ... unanimous first team All-American (AFCA, Associated Press, FWAA, The Sporting News, Walter Camp) ... also earned first-team honors from CBS Sports, ESPN.com, Pro Football Focus and USA Today ... named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year by both the AP and the conference coaches ... also earned All-SEC First Team honors from both groups ... selected as one of the Crimson Tide's permanent team captains for the 2021.

Led the nation in tackles for loss with 34.5 (-148 yards), a total that finished second in the Alabama single-season ranks ... also contributed 17.5 sacks (-108 yards) to pace all Division I defenders and rank third in UA single-season history ... accumulated 102 total tackles, good for second on UA, while adding a team-high nine quarterback hurries to go with three pass breakups ... was a finalist for the Bednarik Award ... semifinalist for the Lombardi and Walter Camp Player of the Year awards ... selected as a midseason All-American by the AP, TSN and CBS Sports ... tabbed to the Bednarik, Butkus, Lombardi, Nagurski and Walter Camp Player of the Year watch lists entering 2021 ... selected as a preseason All-American by multiple outlets, earning first-team honors from the AP, TSN and Walter Camp . - Alabama Football


(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023 DE *Will Anderson Jr.Alabama
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  07/17/22 - DE *Will Anderson Jr.Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

  2022 WALTER CAMP PRESEASON FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICAN: LB Will Anderson (Alabama),...Rated No. 1 overall draft prospect by many, including Draft Scout. 2021 feats included selection as the Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner, presented annually to the nation's top defensive player ... unanimous first team All-American (AFCA, Associated Press, FWAA, The Sporting News, Walter Camp) ... led the nation in tackles for loss with 34.5 (-148 yards), a total that finished second in the Alabama single-season ranks ... also contributed 17.5 sacks (-108 yards) to pace all Division I defenders and rank third in UA single-season history ... accumulated 102 total tackles, good for second on UA, while adding a team-high nine quarterback hurries to go with three pass breakups ... was a finalist for the Bednarik Award.

Semifinalist for the Lombardi and Walter Camp Player of the Year awards ... selected as a midseason All-American by the AP, TSN and CBS Sports ... tabbed to the Bednarik, Butkus, Lombardi, Nagurski and Walter Camp Player of the Year watch lists entering 2021 ... selected as a preseason All-American by multiple outlets, earning first-team honors from the AP, TSN and Walter Camp ... also named a third-teamer by PFF ... earned SEC Defensive Player of the Week honors for his efforts against Florida, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, LSU and Auburn ... selected as the Bednarik Award Player of the Week for his play against the Rebels, Bulldogs and Tigers ... named the Bronko Nagurski Player of the Week for his efforts in Starkville ... earned defensive player of the week recognition from the UA coaching staff for his play against Miami, Florida, Southern Miss, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Tennessee, LSU, New Mexico State, Arkansas, Auburn, Georgia and Cincinnati. - Alabama Football


(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023 DE *Will Anderson Jr.Alabama
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  07/13/22 - DE *Will Anderson Jr.Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

  Alabama will send its two highest-profile players, Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Bryce Young and All-America linebacker Will Anderson, along with safety Jordan Battle and head coach Nick Saban. The Crimson Tide will be in attendance on Tuesday, July 19. Auburn will send running back Tank Bigsby, edge rusher Derick Hall and tight end John Samuel Shenker along with head coach Bryan Harsin. The Tigers' day in Atlanta is set for Thursday, July 21. Other big names set to attend SEC Media Days are Arkansas linebacker Bumper Pool, Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett and linebacker Nolan Smith and Tennessee wide receiver Cedric Tillman. - Birmingham News

(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023 DE *Will Anderson Jr.Alabama
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  07/02/22 - DE *Will Anderson Jr.Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

  The Walter Camp Football Foundation announced on Monday that Alabama football players Bryce Young, Will Anderson Jr. and Eli Ricks made its 2022 preseason first team All-America roster. Anderson received the 2021 Bronko Nagurski Trophy and 2021 SEC Defensive Player of the Year. He had 17.5 sacks, 101 tackles, 31 tackles for loss and three pass deflections. He was a unanimous 2021 All-American, and he made it to first team All-SEC. The Walter Camp selected its first All-America team in 1889. - Montgomery Advertiser

(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023 DE *Will Anderson Jr.Alabama
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  06/27/22 - DE *Will Anderson Jr.Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

  Even Georgia winning the national championship last season didn't keep Alabama from its seemingly annual perch atop the AL.com Preseason SEC football poll. The Crimson Tide was the pick by 11 of the SEC's 14 football information directors to win the league championship in 2022, in voting compiled by AL.com/The Birmingham News for the 76th straight year. Alabama - which, we must remember, beat Georgia for the SEC title last year before falling to the Bulldogs in the national championship game - is the preseason favorite in this poll for the 10th consecutive year.

Saban's Alabama machine is predicted to continue its historic championship run, getting named first on 11 ballots and second on the other two. That gives the Crimson Tide 167 points, ahead of Georgia's 158 (three first-place votes, nine seconds and one third). Points were awarded in reverse order of voting (13 for first, 12 for second, 11 for third...on down to one point for a 13th-place vote). Again, because voters were instructed to ignore their own teams, there were only 13 votes per ballot. Alabama returns the Heisman Trophy winner this year in quarterback Bryce Young, and arguably the country's most-dominant player in outside linebacker Will Anderson. As usual, the Crimson Tide's roster is populated with all-star candidates, from Young and guard Emil Ekiyor on the offensive side of the ball to Anderson, fellow linebacker Henry To'oTo'o and safety Jordan Battle on defense. - Birmingham News


(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023 DE *Will Anderson Jr.Alabama
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  06/18/22 - DE *Will Anderson Jr.Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

  Alabama football edge defender Will Anderson Jr. enters the 2022 season coming off a sophomore year in which he won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy as the nation's top defender. His focus is improving ahead of his junior season when he had 34.5 tackles for loss and 17.5 sacks, both the most in the nation. Anderson has been working with new outside linebackers coach Coleman Hutzler, who spent 2021 as special teams coordinator at Ole Miss. Hutzler is also Alabama's special teams coordinator. "It's been good, he's full of energy," Anderson told the Tuscaloosa News at the Nike Football Skills Camp at Hillcrest High School. "He pumps the room up. He brings that younger feeling to the room a little bit more. He's like a fireball. He has so much energy, but it's been great.

"He knows a lot, but he's young. He's been doing a good job connecting with us, getting to know us, so it's been fun. I can't wait for the season to start." Alabama's defense returns nine starters from the College Football Playoff championship game. The Crimson Tide could have a top pass rusher at edge with Dallas Turner, who had 8.5 sacks in 2021, opposite of Anderson. After spring practice, Anderson trained more with his Alabama coaches instead of a pass rush specialist. "I've just been working on myself with my coaches, coach Holtzer and Sal Sunseri," Anderson said. "They've been doing a good job of helping me (and the graduate assistants like) Jamey Mosley and (football analyst) George Banko. - Montgomery Advertiser


(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023 DE *Will Anderson Jr.Alabama
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  05/21/22 - DE *Will Anderson Jr.Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

  2022 LOTT IMPACT TROPHY PRESEASON WATCH LIST: WILL ANDERSON Jr., LB, Alabama, Jr.,6-4, 243, Hampton, Ga.: Nagurski winner last year; Unanimous AA; SEC Defensive POY; Cotton Bowl MVP; Led nation with 34.5 tackles for loss and 17.5 sacks. - Lott IMPACT Trophy/The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation

(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023 DE *Will Anderson Jr.Alabama
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  05/19/22 - DE *Will Anderson Jr.Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

  The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation announced the 42 candidates for the 2022 Lott IMPACT Trophy at a luncheon today in Newport Beach. Alabama has three candidates this year - Will Anderson Jr., Henry To'oTo'o and Jordan Battle - while five other schools each have two candidates - Georgia, Notre Dame, Clemson, Iowa and Ohio State. There are 15 linebackers, 14 defensive backs and 13 defensive linemen on this year's Watch List. The top two players in the nation in sacks last year are both on the list - Will Anderson Jr. of Alabama, who had 17.5 sacks and Andre Carter II of Army who had 15.5.

The Lott IMPACT Trophy is the only major college football award that considers character. Named after former NFL Hall of Fame star Ronnie Lott, The Lott Trophy annually goes to the Defensive IMPACT Player of the Year, a player who has had the biggest impact on his team both on and off the field. IMPACT stands for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity, all characteristics exhibited by Lott during his illustrious playing career. The annual winner is selected by a national voter panel, consisting of former winners, members of the media, coaches, and members of the Board of Directors of The IMPACT Foundation. - The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation


(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023 DE *Will Anderson Jr.Alabama
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  05/04/22 - DE *Will Anderson Jr.Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

  With the first round of the 2022 NFL draft in the books, the buzz for 2023 is already building. And it could be historic for Alabama. Not only could Bryce Young and Will Anderson become the fourth set of college teammates to go No. 1 and 2, but projections also have the Crimson Tide in contention to break its own first-round record. Early forecasts have as many as eight Alabama players among the top 32 prospects after a relatively lean Thursday night.

The program produced two first-rounders this year -- Evan Neal and Jameson Williams -- for its lowest total since 2016. Only Ryan Kelly went among the first 32 picks that year as the eventual NFL starters slipped to Round 2 including Reggie Ragland, Derrick Henry, A'Shawn Robinson and Jarran Reed. Alabama tied the record for first-round picks last year when the six equaled Miami's total from 2004. That beat the five Crimson Tide first-round picks from 2020. The potential for the 2023 class also speaks to the shifting nature of the game. Like on Thursday, transfers figure largely into the projections for next spring. - Birmingham News


(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023 DE *Will Anderson Jr.Alabama
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  04/21/22 - DE *Will Anderson Jr.Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

  Will Anderson isn't one to shy away from a challenge or keep his mouth shut. A year ago, the linebacker publicly challenged teammates he didn't think were fully committed to the plan. That lit a fire. And then Saturday, the reigning national defensive player of the year made another statement, this one in better spirits. Instead of trying to rally a defense coming off a rough game at Florida or the loss at Texas A&M, Anderson took an aspirational look at the 2022 Crimson Tide defense. This was a group that entered last fall with momentum and more experience than the previous team that was truly only challenged a few times en route to a national title. And while it was a top-10 defense in almost every major statistical category, inconsistency kept it from achieving some of the preseason expectations.

Well Anderson wasn't coy when adding a prediction of his own to the fire burning this offseason. "I think this year is going to be something special," he said after Saturday's A-Day game. "I think you guys talk about the 2016 defense pass rush, I feel like you guys are definitely are getting ready to see that again." Citing the experience, talent and depth, Anderson said at least part of this Crimson Tide defense could stack up with one of the all-time units. Let's take a second to review what that 2016 Alabama defense accomplished. It led the nation in total defense, rushing defense (by a margin of 34 yards a game), scoring defense and sacks. Average it out and the Tide had 3.6 sacks a game. That was a defense that saw all 11 opening day starters drafted - five in the first round and nine in the first three rounds. - Birmingham News


(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023 DE *Will Anderson Jr.Alabama
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  04/20/22 - DE *Will Anderson Jr.Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

  Alabama football edge defender Will Anderson Jr. seemed darn near unblockable at times in 2021. He finished the year with 34.5 tackles for loss and 17.5 sacks. In the process, he became a unanimous All-America selection and won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, given to the country's most outstanding defensive player. Anderson has shown few signs of letting up in 2022, if A-Day is any indication. He finished with two sacks in the spring game, making life difficult whenever he was on the field. Recently, Alabama coach Nick Saban was asked by someone if Anderson even has a weakness. "I said, 'Well, he's got to learn more about pass coverage because he plays a position where every now and then, he's supposed to drop," Saban said.

But if you're Alabama, dropping Anderson in coverage doesn't make sense unless necessary considering how he can dominate offensive linemen. Saban jokingly asked reporters in the room after the game what they would do with Anderson. "You all are gurus of the game; Should we spend a lot of time on him dropping or letting him rush?" Saban asked with a grin. No guru title needed to know that answer. "So his weakness is pass coverage," Saban said. "But he helps the defense when he sacks the quarterback." - Montgomery Advertiser


(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023 DE *Will Anderson Jr.Alabama
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  03/05/22 - DE *Will Anderson Jr.Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

  Alabama football is set to begin spring practice on Friday, March 11, UA announced in a release Thursday. The Crimson Tide will hold 14 practices in addition to its A-Day Game, which will be played at 2 p.m. All are closed to the public except for A-Day on April 16. The scrimmage will be broadcast on SEC Network+. There will be a 10-day break between the first and second practice because of spring break. The second practice will be held on March 21. While Alabama loses some of its top offensive talent in Evan Neal, Jameson Williams and John Metchie III to the NFL Draft, the Crimson Tide will have plenty of talent that remains in 2022.

Quarterback Bryce Young headlines that group, fresh off a Heisman Trophy season in 2021. He will be in his third season with the Crimson Tide and second as a starter. The Crimson Tide added Georgia's Jermaine Burton via the transfer portal to help fill the void at receiver. On defense, the top player also returns in linebacker Will Anderson Jr. He will lead a group that returns several impact players such as fellow edge rusher Dallas Turner, safety Jordan Battle and linebacker Henry To'o To'o. - Montgomery Advertiser


(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023 DE *Will Anderson Jr.Alabama
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  12/09/21 - DE *Will Anderson Jr.Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

  2021 CHUCK BEDNARIK AWARD FINALIST: Will Anderson, Jr., Alabama,...One of the most dominant pass-rushers in Alabama program history...First among all Division I defenders in tackles for loss with 32.5 (-136 yards), a total that ranks second all-time in Crimson Tide single-season records...Totaled 15.5 (-96 yards) to lead the nation and rank third in program history for a single season behind only Derrick Thomas who owns the Nos. 1 and 2 spots...Accumulated 92 total tackles, good for second on the Alabama defense, while adding a team-high nine quarterback hurries and two pass breakups. - Alabama Football

(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023 DE *Will Anderson Jr.Alabama
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  12/08/21 - DE *Will Anderson Jr.Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

  2021 SEC DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR (COACHES): Will Anderson Jr., Alabama,...Anderson leads the nation with 32.5 tackles for loss, which is second all-time in a single season at Alabama. He also leads the nation with 15.5 sacks and ranks second on the team with 92 total tackles. Anderson was named winner of the Nagurski Trophy earlier this week. - SEC Football

(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023 DE *Will Anderson Jr.Alabama
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  12/08/21 - DE *Will Anderson Jr.Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

  2021 ALL-SEC FIRST TEAM (COACHES): LB Will Anderson Jr., Alabama,...The Crimson Tide led the way with 11 All-SEC selections, including six on first team. This marks the 14th straight season Alabama has led the conference in All-SEC picks. Evan Neal (OL), Brian Robinson Jr. (RB), Jameson Williams (WR) and Bryce Young (QB) were first-team selections on offense, while Jordan Battle (DB) and Will Anderson Jr. (LB) were tabbed first-team honorees on defense. - Alabama Football

(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023 DE *Will Anderson Jr.Alabama
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  12/06/21 - DE *Will Anderson Jr.Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

  2021 NAGURSKI TROPHY WINNER: Will Anderson Jr., Linebacker, Alabama, Sophomore,...One of the most dominant pass-rushers in Alabama program history...The national leader in tackles for loss with 32.5 (-136 yards), a total that ranks second all-time in Crimson Tide single-season records...Also leads the country in sacks with 15.5 (-96 yards) to rank third in program history for a single season behind only Derrick Thomas who owns the Nos. 1 and 2 spots...Accumulated 92 total tackles, good for second on the Alabama defense, while adding a team-high nine quarterback hurries and two pass breakups. - Alabama Football

(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023 DE *Will Anderson Jr.Alabama
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  11/14/21 - DE *Will Anderson Jr.Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

  Alabama jumped Cincinnati to No. 2 behind Georgia in The Associated Press college football poll on Sunday and Oklahoma dropped eight spots to No. 12 after losing for the first time this season. Georgia is a unanimous No. 1 in the AP Top 25 presented by Regions Bank for the sixth consecutive week and the Southeastern Conference has the top two teams in the poll for the sixth time this season. Alabama and Georgia were flip-flopped at Nos. 1 and 2 for five weeks in September and early October.

The switch from Cincinnati to Alabama at No. 2 was more about the Bearcats than the Crimson Tide, which closed the gap on UC to four points last week. Alabama took care of business against overmatched New Mexico State on Saturday. No surprise there. Cincinnati remained unbeaten after winning at South Florida 45-28 on Friday night. It was the fourth straight week the Bearcats played a team with a losing record and found themselves in a competitive game in the second half. That tipped a few more voters to drop Cincinnati. Behind the Bearcats, No. 4 Oregon, No. 5 Ohio State, No. 6 Notre Dame, No. 7 Michigan State, No. 8 Michigan and No. 9 Oklahoma State all moved up one spot after Oklahoma tumbled. - AP College Football


(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023 DE *Will Anderson Jr.Alabama
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  11/12/21 - DE *Will Anderson Jr.Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

  NOV 8 SEC DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Will Anderson Jr., LB, Alabama,...Anderson was all over the field in a 20-14 defensive slugfest victory over LSU...He led the Crimson Tide in tackles with a career-best 12, including eight solo stops...Added four more tackles for loss (-13 yards) to his NCAA-best 21...Added 1.5 more sacks to his team leading total of 10.5, which leads the SEC and ranks 4th nationally...Batted down one pass and was credited with two more quarterback hurries...Helped the Crimson Tide limit LSU to just 295 total yards, including 109 rushing yards. - SEC Football

(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023 DE *Will Anderson Jr.Alabama
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  11/07/21 - DE *Will Anderson Jr.Jr/2023, Alabama, 6-4, 253 (DS#1 DE) + More +

  Alabama was living dangerously, with a missed extra point, a nonexistent running game and a lead repeatedly in jeopardy. The third-ranked Crimson Tide's defense kept turning away heavy underdog LSU late and Bryce Young passed for 302 yards to survive for a 20-14 victory on Saturday night. "Sometimes we have an expectation that we're going to win easy, but sometimes it's not so easy," Alabama coach Nick Saban said. The Crimson Tide (8-1, 5-1 Southeastern Conference, No. 2 CFP) preserved their national championship hopes in a game that was as tight as some meetings when both were nursing such ambitions. The injury-depleted Tigers (4-5, 2-4) and lame-duck coach Ed Orgeron didn't act like 29.5-point underdogs, which they were according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

It certainly wasn't this time for a team left with no margin for error after a loss to No. 13 Texas A&M. It wasn't over until the final play, a Hail Mary that fell incomplete in the end zone. The Tigers came up empty in three fourth-quarter trips into Alabama territory, including that quick venture to the 30 in the final minute. Young, the Heisman Trophy front-runner, completed 24 of 37 passes with a couple of touchdowns, including a 58-yarder to Jameson Williams. Williams caught 10 passes for 160 yards. LSU harried Young all night and held Brian Robinson Jr. to 18 yards on 13 carries for a team that netted 6 yards on the ground thanks largely to sacks. But Alabama returned the favor with Will Anderson Jr. racking up 12 tackles, 1 1/2 sacks and four tackles for loss. "Relentless effort, that's all I can say," Anderson said about the defensive performance. "It was relentless effort." - Alabama/AP College Football


(DS#1 DE) Jr/2023 DE *Will Anderson Jr.Alabama
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