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PODCAST: Has Alabama found the second coming of Derrick Thomas in Will Anderson?

A look at an Alabama helmet on the ESPN set for Alabama vs. LSU in 2019
Cedric Mason - Touchdown Alabama Magazine

In the hearts of Alabama fans, there will never be another Derrick Thomas. 

He captivated people with his style at outside linebacker and was a great teammate off the field as well. Thomas, who played for the Crimson Tide from 1985-88, holds the school record for sacks in a career (52), single season (27) and single game (five) in Alabama football history. 

While he remains a revered figure, Tide fans also long to see someone that can at least come close to capturing the essence Thomas brought.

With this being stated, Nick Saban may have found someone in William “Will” Anderson that can do it. Anderson, a five-star linebacker via Hampton, Ga., signed in Alabama’s 2020 class and has the potential to be an all-time great. 

RELATED: Alabama freshman DB Brian Branch emphatically states William Anderson will be an all-time great LB

Listed at 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds, his body structure resembles former Tide standouts Tim Williams and Christian Miller. His hands, speed, pass rush moves and instincts have the capability to possibly match Thomas.

Anderson totaled 15 tackles for loss and 22 sacks in his senior year at Dutchtown High School (2019) and was unstoppable in the All-American Bowl. 

The duo of Sal Sunseri and Freddie Roach working with him should bring the maximum performance out of the five-star.

In Friday’s segment of In My Own Words, yours truly of Touchdown Alabama Magazine talks on Anderson and can he restore the essence of Thomas. 

Check out the video below. 

Stephen breaks down 5-star LB, Will Anderson & could he be the next Derrick Thomas for Alabama

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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine.  You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.

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Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama. He is a senior writer and reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He has covered Alabama football for 10+ years and his knowledge and coverage of the Crimson Tide's program have made him among the most respected journalist in his field. Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other marquee outlets as an analyst.

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