Will Anderson is one of the most dominant defensive players in college football.
He leads the nation in sacks (14.5) and tackles for loss (29.5).
As a sophomore, no offensive mind has been able to neutralize him from attacking its quarterback. He averages one sack and nearly four tackles for loss per game. Anderson won SEC Defensive Player of the Week five times and is four sacks from being second all-time in Alabama history for a single season. Despite his efforts, he was not named a finalist for the Butkus Award.
People have equated the native Georgian more as a defensive end than a linebacker.
However, the Lott IMPACT Trophy is another major defensive honor. It goes to college football’s Defensive IMPACT Player of the Year.
IMPACT is an acronym for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community, and Tenacity. Anderson embodies these qualities as a second-year player and is one of the reasons Alabama is competing for a national championship.
According to Brett McMurphy of Stadium, Anderson was not selected as a semifinalist for the IMPACT Trophy.
He faces Georgia on Saturday for an SEC title showdown.
Georgia had two players named as semifinalists.
Semifinalists for Lott Impact Trophy, for nation’s top defensive player
Cincinnati CB Cody Bryant
LSU LB Damone Clark
Kentucky S Yusuf Corker
Georgia NT Jordan Davis
Georgia LB Nakobe Dean
Michigan DL Aidan Hutchinson
Purdue DE George Karlaftis
Utah LB Devin Lloyd— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) December 1, 2021
Alabama fans are furious on social media. They see this as “Bama fatigue” on behalf of these organizations.
Did Will Anderson Jr. quit the team? https://t.co/yYcMEmWk7Y
— Adam Weil (@AdamWeil22) December 1, 2021
Guess Will Anderson quit playing or something. How is he not on this list? https://t.co/t3DgFFH2Rd
— CoffeeChick2.0 ☕ (@coffeeordie71) December 1, 2021
The nations sack leader is not in consideration for the top defensive player. https://t.co/JQQPMHTzjV
— Coach B’s Film Supplier (Cory) (@cbreezyyo) December 1, 2021
Did Will Anderson die or sum?? What am I missing?? https://t.co/NtGz6iRmKJ
— Ryan Morrison (@ryanmorrison33) December 1, 2021
I’m not understanding why Will Anderson is being snubbed for these defensive awards https://t.co/Y8RZt83jrE
— Ash ♕ (@ar_wise) December 1, 2021
Ain’t no way https://t.co/kiYXwGsTuN
— Andrew (@aterry65) December 1, 2021
I’ve read this tweet like 20x’s just to make sure my mind is not playing tricks on me. WHERE TF IS WILL FKNG ANDERSON THE SECOND???? @TheLottTrophy DONT PLAY WITH ME. https://t.co/gxKYe2UOz5
— TC (@GoatLatia) December 1, 2021
I believe you misspelled Will Anderson https://t.co/cNIrCucAn1
— Ron Clark (@ButtieFriend) December 1, 2021
😤😤 please let Will Anderson see this nonsense https://t.co/i6dmTRFe9P
— BOBBY COX IM TOO BRAVE (@TheRealJayFresh) December 1, 2021
So Will Anderson Jr isn’t one of the best defensive players in college football? I must be watching the wrong sport lol https://t.co/FvkZD5BsmG
— CFBLIVE247 (@CFBLive247_) December 1, 2021
The fact that Will Anderson isn’t on here shows how idiotic this is. https://t.co/bW7TkB1zPp
— Jake Agnesia (@jaggy__20) December 1, 2021
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