He has yet to record his first career sack at the University of Alabama, but William Anderson has been making his presence felt.
Through four games, the true freshman and five-star outside linebacker has been affecting plays in the opponents’ backfield, while pressuring quarterbacks. Despite missing on a few opportunities, the native Georgian remains confident and is poised for a huge moment at some point this season. He has 15 total tackles, one tackle for loss and five quarterback hurries.
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The 6-foot-4, 235-pounder turned in four tackles and one quarterback hurry in Alabama’s 41-24 victory over Georgia.
Anderson helped the Crimson Tide shut the Bulldogs off the scoreboard in the second half.
He also assisted in getting the defensive unit off the field on third down, as Georgia converted just two of seven attempts in the second half.
According to CFB Film Room, a site devoted to bringing the most in-depth advanced stats for college football, Anderson leads the Southeastern Conference for quarterback pressures (20). He made Stetson Bennett of the Bulldogs feel uncomfortable six times, while he carries 13 quarterback hits.
All Anderson has to do is finish plays in the backfield and that will come with more reps.
After generating 6 QB pressures versus Georgia, Alabama’s Will Anderson Jr. (@will_anderson28) now leads the SEC in QB pressures. pic.twitter.com/3bSSWjlzwa
— CFB Film Room (@CFBFilmRoom) October 20, 2020
As an unstoppable force in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, he expects to push the Tide’s defense to a conference championship and a College Football Playoff national title.
Anderson will take on Tennessee this week and anticipates getting his first sack.
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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.
