He will have the crowd’s undivided attention this weekend.
After being more of an unsung hero in 2014 and 2015, Ryan Anderson elevated his game during the 2016 season. The Daphne (Ala.) native and Crimson Tide’s angry man led the defense in tackles for loss (19.0), while posting 61 tackles, nine sacks, 10 quarterback hurries, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
He was the intensity behind a defensive front that totaled an FBS-leading 54 sacks and 29 turnovers, along with surrendering 13.0 points per game. Despite his efforts, media pundits overlook Anderson as he was on the same roster with Jonathan Allen, Reuben Foster and Tim Williams. Following a 24-7 victory over Washington in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Anderson (defensive MVP) made the statement of “feeling disrespected.” He collected three tackles against the Huskies, and accounted for Alabama’s 11th defensive touchdown—picking off quarterback Jake Browning and returned it for a 26-yard score in the second half.
He recovered two fumbles against Clemson in the College Football Playoff national title game, though the end result was a 35-31 loss. In his return to Mobile, Ala., Anderson looks to be a force in the Senior Bowl.
His ability to read gaps and display lateral quickness will be tested on Saturday at Ladd-Peebles Stadium, but Anderson embraces a challenge. Per CBS Sports, he is projected a second-round pick and the 55th-best prospect (No. 6 outside linebacker) heading into the 2017 NFL Draft.
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.
