Will Anderson and Chris Braswell both came to the University of Alabama as five-star outside linebackers in 2020.
Braswell, a Maryland native, was higher regarded than Anderson, per Justin Smith of Touchdown Alabama Magazine.
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As the Director of Scouting and Recruiting for TDA, Smith presented Braswell with a diamond grade of one — meaning “immediate contributor or game changer.” He got the better of Bryce Young, another member of the 2020 class when Braswell attended St. Frances Academy. Young was the starting quarterback for Mater Dei High School, but Braswell sacked him a few times. Braswell, who was 215 pounds then, did not have the weight to sustain against offensive guards and tackles in the Southeastern Conference as a freshman. Anderson was able to explode onto the scene and take over college football for three years. The native Georgian accomplished a lot in his time, but now Anderson is off to the NFL Draft as a top-5 selection.
Braswell knows the boomerang has returned to him to seize the moment.
He produced through 13 games in 2022, tallying 20 tackles, four stops for loss, 2.5 sacks, six quarterback hurries, and a forced fumble. Jaheim Oatis had a transformation from losing weight; however, Braswell has become the biggest linebacker on the team. The 6-foot-3 pass rush specialist is now 255 and prepared to step into stardom. He stated Tuesday that everyone is working in the outside linebacker room to be the best. Dallas Turner is out this spring recovering from surgery, and it allows Braswell to lead the younger players. He is expected to replace Anderson at the jack linebacker spot and have a monster fall.
It has taken him some time, but Anderson has left his position in good hands with Braswell.
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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.
