Will Anderson Jr.
Alabama Crimson Tide – No. 31
PositionOutside linebacker
ClassJunior
Personal information
Born: (2001-09-02) September 2, 2001 (age 21)
Hampton, Georgia
Height6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight243 lb (110 kg)
Career history
College
Bowl games
High schoolDutchtown (Hampton)
Career highlights and awards

William Anderson Jr. (born September 2, 2001) is an American football outside linebacker for the Alabama Crimson Tide. He has won several awards during his time with Alabama, including the Lombardi Award and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy twice.

Early life and high school career

Anderson was born on September 2, 2001, in Hampton, Georgia. He attended Dutchtown High School, where he recorded 22 sacks with 15 tackles for loss as a senior in 2019. Anderson was named to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's "Super 11" team and played in the 2020 All-American Bowl.[1][2][3] Anderson committed to play college football at Alabama.[4][5]

College career

Anderson was named a starter at outside linebacker as a freshman in 2020.[6][7][8] He was named second-team All-SEC after finishing with 7 quarterback sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss as the Crimson Tide won the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship.[9] As a sophomore in 2021, Anderson won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year, and was voted a unanimous All-American after recording 17.5 sacks and 34.5 tackles for loss, both of which led the nation.[10][11]

College statistics
Year Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
Solo Ast Total Loss Sack Int Yards Avg TD PD FR Yards TD FF
2020 13 34 18 52 10.5 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
2021 15 56 45 101 31 17.5 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0
2022 12 24 27 51 17 10 1 25 25 1 1 0 0 0 0
Career 30 114 90 204 58.5 34.5 1 25 25 1 4 0 0 0 1

References

  1. ^ "2019 AJC Super 11: Will Anderson, Dutchtown". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. August 19, 2019. Retrieved December 12, 2020.
  2. ^ Potter, Charlie (September 23, 2020). "Will Anderson's ascent to starting role 'not surprising at all'". 247Sports. Retrieved December 12, 2020.
  3. ^ Zenitz, Mark (February 6, 2020). "Why football people are so high on a new Alabama edge rusher". AL.com. Retrieved December 12, 2020.
  4. ^ Rodak, Mike (December 18, 2019). "Four-star linebacker Will Anderson signs with Alabama". AL.com. Retrieved December 12, 2020.
  5. ^ Simmons, Chad (June 17, 2019). "Breaking: Four-star DE Williams Anderson commits to Alabama". Yahoo Sports. Retrieved December 12, 2020.
  6. ^ Rodak, Mike (September 17, 2020). "Teammate: Alabama freshman Will Anderson has 'got it'". AL.com. Retrieved December 12, 2020.
  7. ^ "Alabama freshman linebacker Will Anderson Jr. performs well in debut". Dothan Eagle. September 27, 2020. Retrieved December 12, 2020.
  8. ^ Suttles, Aaron (September 17, 2020). "Alabama mailbag: Is Will Anderson the elite edge rusher Bama has been missing?". The Athletic. Retrieved December 12, 2020.
  9. ^ Rodak, Mike (August 24, 2021). "Is Will Anderson the elite edge rusher the Nick Saban era has been missing?". AL.com. Retrieved August 25, 2021.
  10. ^ Logan, Collier. "College Football's Best Player is Will Anderson, Jr., the Likely No. 1 Pick in the 2023 NFL Draft". SI.com. Retrieved May 2, 2022.
  11. ^ Smith, Stephen. "Alabama Football News Alabama LB Will Anderson earns comparison to NFL legend, Jason Taylor". TouchdownAlabama.com. Retrieved May 2, 2022.

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