TUSCALOOSA, Ala.– Both Reuben Foster and Ryan Anderson had a profound impact on the University of Alabama and its fan base as linebackers and leaders throughout their time at Tuscaloosa.
Although both truly loved head coach Nick Saban, defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt happens to be the coach that Foster and Anderson had the most impact on. In the birth of his third child on Tuesday, Pruitt and his wife – Casey East-Pruitt – named their son Flynt Anderson-Foster Pruitt in honor of both players.
Pruitt posted a photo to social media, sharing the exciting news.
The Newest Tide Fan: Flynt Anderson-Foster Pruitt pic.twitter.com/64HpNUdSgQ
— Jeremy Pruitt (@CoachJPruitt) May 23, 2017
Before getting selected in this year’s NFL Draft, Foster and Anderson were catalysts behind 106 sacks, 56 turnovers and 15 touchdowns on defense in the last two seasons. Both were instrumental in the Crimson Tide’s 2015 College Football Playoff national championship win over Clemson, while Anderson (2012 signing class) would serve on four Southeastern Conference title squads. Foster transformed himself from thumper to instinctive playmaker a season ago, leading the team with 115 tackles to win the Dick Butkus Award.
During the 2015 and 2016 seasons, Anderson became a fierce edge rusher with 30.5 tackles for loss and 15 sacks. He carried a team-high 19 tackles for loss in 2016, and recorded a pivotal pick-six off the arm of Washington Huskies quarterback Jake Browning in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl.
While Pruitt hopes nothing but success for both men, Foster and Anderson were two guys that really won his heart. Who knows? Maybe the youngest Pruitt will turn out to be a linebacker at Alabama years from now.
After all, his father is one of the best inside ‘backer’ coaches in the game.
Stephen M. Smith is a managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
