TUSCALOOSA—He consistently plays with an edge to him.
It is a foregone conclusion that Jonathan Allen, Reuben Foster and Tim Williams will be taken in the first round of next year’s NFL Draft. One can even make a case for safety Eddie Jackson, who has totaled nine career interceptions and four touchdowns (three interceptions, punt return). Of all the talented linebackers it’s recruited, there is one Alabama player that does not receive enough coverage. Ryan Anderson, a former five-star recruit, represents growth, leadership and consistency—when it comes to Nick Saban’s “The Process.”
The 6-foot-2, 253-pound senior was a headline name in the Crimson Tide’s 2012 recruiting class from Daphne (Ala.) High School. He recorded 180 tackles and 26.5 sacks during his junior and senior seasons (2010-11), while leading Daphne to a state championship in the 2011 season. After earning a national championship as a redshirt in 2012, Anderson began to emerge as one the unsung heroes on defense. During his redshirt sophomore year in 2014, he registered eight tackles for loss, three sacks and nine quarterback hurries.
Anderson was a nightmare for Arkansas’ offensive line, accounting for three tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, a sack, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. He aided Alabama to a close 14-13 win over the Razorbacks.
His production managed to double in the Tide’s 2015 national championship season.
Anderson finished third in sacks (six) and tackles for loss (11.5), while tying for a team-high 10 quarterback hurries. His presence remains a lingering thought in the mind of Tennessee’s quarterback, Joshua Dobbs.
Anderson leveled Dobbs to the ground in the final seconds of last year’s game, causing a fumble. Former Tide defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson recovered, preserving a 19-14 victory against Tennessee.
According to CBS Sports, Anderson is the seventh-best outside linebacker in this year’s class and is projected to be taken in the third round. He’s made every effort to improve those numbers, starting with his decision to forgo the 2016 draft and return to Tuscaloosa for his senior year. He’s carried fresh fire into this season, leading the defense in sacks (4.5) and tackles for loss (7.5). His previous career-high in tackles was six against Texas A&M in 2015, however, he one-upped himself against Arkansas. Anderson chimed in with nine tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack and a quarterback hurry in Alabama’s 49-30 win at D.W.R. Razorback Stadium.
He possesses a quick first step, strong hands (pass rush moves) and nifty footwork in his pursuit of the quarterback. Along with his teammate, Jonathan Allen, Anderson is finally getting the treatment of being an every down player. The National Football League is about progression and for Anderson, each year he’s improved his weight, leadership tactics and production on the field.
He’s one of the key components for the Tide’s success, as it’s now in the toughest part of its schedule.
Anderson and Alabama heads to Neyland Stadium this week to face Tennessee.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
