His best performances came near the end of the 2020 regular season; however, Alabama’s first opponent recognized how special William Anderson was at outside linebacker.
The freshman recorded three tackles against Missouri, but the Tigers saw his length, speed, athleticism, and ability to stretch plays outside for no production. Anderson’s quickness allowed for Christian Harris, Dylan Moses, and LaBryan Ray to open the year with monster outings on defense. As a five-star from Georgia, Anderson kept growing and capitalized on his moment versus Auburn by getting his first career sack.
The 6-foot-4, 235-pounder collected two sacks apiece in each of the next three games against Arkansas, LSU, and Florida.
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He ended the year with seven sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss. Anderson was selected to the SEC’s All-Freshman Team and the Freshman All-American Team. Anderson is a preseason first-team All-American for Walter Camp, Sporting News, and Phil Steele.
As he prepares for a huge sophomore campaign, Missouri’s Case Cook called Anderson ‘an unbelievable player.’
“If you didn’t know any better you would think he’s a second- or third-year guy,” Cook said at SEC Media Days. “So I give a lot of respect. … I didn’t get the chance to block him too many times. He played more on the edge, but he’s a great player and I’m sure he’s got big things heading his way. Good for him, man.”
Throughout the summer, Anderson has improved his strength and speed numbers in the offseason program.
He is set to make sure the Crimson Tide finished with a top-five across the board in college football.
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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.
