Alabama football played better defensively toward the end of the 2021 season, but it understands what it needs to do to grab everyone’s respect as a feared unit for the coming fall.
Will Anderson Jr., the Crimson Tide’s vocal leader at outside linebacker, spoke to reporters before Monday’s practice.
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The native Georgian displayed much emotion during interviews last year, especially when he felt like his message had not taken root on the team. Alabama head coach Nick Saban supported Anderson in his postgame presser after the loss to Georgia in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game, but Anderson smiled before the second spring practice.
Anderson is very excited about what this defense can be on the field.
“I think we are capable of being better than last year,” Anderson said. “One thing we agreed on was everyone being bought in and committed. No one is taking the short route out.”
Alabama suffered some inconsistent moments on defense in its first few matchups of 2021, including 41 points surrendered to Texas A&M. The loss at Kyle Field lit a fire under the team, and leaders started to step up. Coach Saban saw the defensive unit improve in meetings versus Mississippi State, LSU, Auburn, Georgia (SEC Championship), and Cincinnati (CFP Semifinal).
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Alabama held the Bulldogs offense to six points in the first half of the CFP national title game, but its offense failed to score. Anderson said the defensive chemistry from late 2021 has carried over into spring practice.
Saban’s defense has a personality to put the world on notice.
“The personality of this defense is to be mean, play fast, hit people in the mouth, stop the run, and get off the field on third down,” Anderson said. “Everyone is bought into the standard here.”
The leadership defensively has grown for the Crimson Tide.
Players such as Jordan Battle, DJ Dale, and Henry To’oto’o have emerged as vocal leaders with Anderson. Battle, Dale, and To’oto’o could have pursued the NFL Draft, but they chose to return to school for a national championship opportunity. Anderson said the players on this defense are not afraid to step on people’s toes. He encourages teammates to ‘not be scared to say things.’
“We are all brothers no matter how they take it,” Anderson said. “It is all love at the end of the day.”
He is the most intense leader on the team, but Anderson is sharpening his skills too. Anderson is excelling in school and is prepared to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in December. Alabama’s defense is returning to a dominant, elite standard.
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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.
