Derrick Thomas has the most single-season sacks in school history for Alabama football.
Since 1988, his output of 27 and 18 (1987) stands at Nos. 1 and 2 respectively. Will Anderson came close to Thomas’ 18 in 2021 as he posted 17.5 sacks during his sophomore campaign. He was the most dominant defensive player in college football, earning the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Unanimous All-American honors, SEC Defensive Player of the Year, and first-team All-SEC honors.
RELATED: Alabama LB Will Anderson has Heisman Trophy locked in as a goal for junior season
Anderson became a finalist for the Heisman Trophy and should have been in New York City for the presentation.
He had added the Heisman to his list of personal goals for the fall, but one of his former teammates sees him breaking a single-season school record. Phidarian Mathis, a two-time national champion, got selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Washington Commanders. The Louisiana native turned in an impressive season as a fifth-year senior with 53 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, nine sacks, six quarterback hurries, two pass breakups, two fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble last year.
Mathis said Anderson will eclipse 20 sacks.
20 some sacks this year watch what I tell ya 😂 https://t.co/zfQDoeFoLa
— Phidarian (Phil) Mathis (@PhidarianMathis) June 18, 2022
If he does this as a junior, Anderson would stand behind Thomas’ 27 sacks for second all-time in school history.
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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.
