Could the Iron Bowl be the final time we see Bryce Young and Will Anderson in an Alabama uniform?
Both had their best moments against Auburn. Anderson’s first career sack for the Crimson Tide came in the 2020 matchup while Young guided the Tide to a 24-22 victory over the Tigers last year. Young and Anderson are projected top five picks for next year’s NFL Draft and have tons of suitors. Both players arrived as five stars in the 2020 class and helped the Tide to a College Football Playoff National Championship and two Southeastern Conference Championships. Several players, especially if they are projected first-round selections, sit out bowl games. Young and Anderson discussed in Monday’s presser about whether Saturday’s matchup against Auburn at Bryant-Denny Stadium will be the last time they suit up. Both kept their answers close to the vest for reporters.
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Young said he has not made a decision concerning his future to turn pro.
“I take everything one day at a time,” he said. “All I have been focused on throughout the year is the next opponent. This is a huge game, and it means a lot to me and people in the entire state. To us on this team, this is a huge game. All I think about is today and how can I be the best version of myself. That’s is all I am focused on.”
He continued with his statement of ‘taking things one day at a time’ after being asked a second time on whether he’s thought about Saturday’s matchup as possibily his final one in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
“I have not thought about anything in the future,” Young said. “All I care about is this program and for me individually and us as a team, today my job is to do the best I can. My job is to put the team in the best circumstances, and that’s all my head has been on. I understand how much this game means to us as a team and everyone in the state. So, I have to do everything I can to focus on me individually and us as a unit to put ourselves in the best circumstances to be successful on Saturday.”
Anderson, like Young, has not made any decisions yet about his potential pro future.
Alabama linebacker Will Anderson Jr. (31) rushes the quarterback against Tennessee at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, TN on Saturday, Oct 15, 2022.
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“I have just been focused on this season and continuing to be a good leader,” he said. “I want to show guys the right way of how to do things around here, but it has been a great time here. Playing at Bryant-Denny has been fun, so many memories. I want to keep those memories going. It has been fun, and I would not trade it for anything in the world.”
Alabama will have its bowl game after playing Auburn.
Young and Anderson sound like they may participate in postseason action, but we will see what happens.
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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.
