William Anderson proved to be one of Alabama’s best defensive performers in 2020.
In coming to the Crimson Tide from the state of Georgia, he turned in a dominant freshman season — including three games where he totaled two sacks each. During the 2020 campaign, the former five-star recorded 52 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks, eight quarterback hurries, and one forced fumble. Anderson, an outside linebacker, finished seventh on the roster for total tackles, second in tackles for loss, second in sacks, and first in quarterback hurries.
The 6-foot-4, 235-pounder put the college football world on notice and earned Freshman All-SEC honors. Anderson was named to the Freshman All-American team via the Football Writers Association of America. He would also pick up the Shaun Alexander National Freshman Player of the Year.
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After his performance, Alabama’s coaching staff and fans want more from Anderson.
Before his sophomore year starts, Dr. Matt Rhea is getting him stronger. According to a video he posted on Twitter, Alabama’s Director of Performance Science had Anderson doing a single leg variation workout. The purpose of the exercise is to improve lower body strength and add explosiveness. Per Rhea, the second-year edge rusher made the drill look easy.
Edge rusher doing edge rusher things. @will_anderson28 makes just about everything look easy. Not bad for his first try at this single leg variation. pic.twitter.com/hr3A06Buh4
— Matt Rhea, PhD (@MattRheaPhD) February 11, 2021
His numbers were comparable to Tim Williams from 2015.
In his first year as an impact player, Williams had 12.5 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, and four quarterback hurries. Anderson has an opportunity to be better than the former four-star from Baton Rouge, La. The tandem of Anderson and Christopher Allen spells trouble for opponents next fall.
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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
