Two defensive recruits that Alabama fans spoke on at liberty in the 2020 class were William Anderson and Drew Sanders.
Both were five-stars and Sanders earned one diamond, according to Justin Smith of Touchdown Alabama Magazine.
RELATED: Alabama football starts fourth quarter program as spring practice gets closer
The diamond meant Sanders would be an “immediate contributor and game-changer.” Anderson had the bigger impact of the two as freshmen, as he made Freshman All-SEC and Freshman All-American. The native Georgian totaled 10.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and eight quarterback hurries. Sanders made his presence felt on special teams, but Dr. Matt Rhea is getting the native Texan prepared to make some noise in the fall. With the departure of Ben Davis, an opportunity has opened at outside linebacker.
Sanders played in all 13 games last year, totaling nine tackles. He earned Special Teams Player of the Week honors from the Crimson Tide’s coaching staff versus Tennessee and Arkansas.
On Tuesday, Alabama started its fourth quarter program. A video was posted to Twitter of Sanders executing a jerk press with explosion and efficiency. In attacking quarterbacks next season, he wants to have the production he had at Ryan High School.
@Drew_16Sanders Drago has some pop to him. 2328 watts of pop to be exact. #Imustbreakyou pic.twitter.com/cRMonCTTzI
— Matt Rhea, PhD (@MattRheaPhD) February 24, 2021
Look at that well built machine! Drew looks pretty good too. Linebackers these days 🦾 pic.twitter.com/rNQr4BvIEM
— Matt Rhea, PhD (@MattRheaPhD) February 24, 2021
As an all-around talent, Sanders played at tight end, quarterback, and linebacker. He was a finalist for Landry Player of the Year in 2019, which goes to the top high school player in North Texas. The 6-foot-5, 230-pounder recorded 119 tackles (10 for loss), eight sacks, and three interceptions in 2018. Alabama fans want to see him do well, and spring practice will be his time to step up.
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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
