Nick Saban and the University of Alabama continue to shatter the stereotype that people have about the program not willing to play or start true freshmen. After starting nine fresh faces in 2019 — including six on defense — the trend continued on last week versus Missouri.
Five true freshmen played against the Tigers and of the three starters, one made its presence felt.
William Anderson, a five-star, announced to the college football world and the Southeastern Conference that he is not your average freshman.
A native of Hampton, Ga., he earned the nickname “Terminator” from Alabama’s offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian in fall camp.
The 6-foot-4, 235-pounder impressed everyone with his speed, power, instincts and quickness to blow plays up in the backfield. He was named the starter at one of two outside linebacker positions (jack) and immediately turned some heads.
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Anderson was one of three linebackers, joining Dylan Moses and Christian Harris, that stayed in Missouri’s offensive backfield and caused trouble. While he posted three tackles (all solo), his length and quickness forced the Tigers to stretch plays outside and it allowed for Moses and Harris to make big plays. When he was not defending the option, Anderson was in the area of Tigers’ quarterback Shawn Robinson affecting his performance with pressure. Prior to Missouri scoring two touchdowns on busted coverages in the fourth quarter, Anderson made two plays in the third quarter that had Tide fans on social media in a frenzy.
As Robinson tried to execute a pitch on the option, Anderson’s length disrupted the play and a fumble was the result.
Patrick Surtain II, a junior at cornerback, recovered the turnover for Alabama.
Before the Tigers’ second field goal attempt, Anderson chased Robinson out of the pocket on third down. He did not get the sack; nevertheless, he was involved on the play with LaBryan Ray and Jaylen Moody. Ray was credited with the sack at defensive end.
For a running back who was a 1,000-yard performer in 2018, Anderson was even pivotal in limiting Larry Rountree to 67 yards rushing on 14 carries. Alabama surrendered 137.2 rushing yards per game (nine scores) last year, so the freshman’s presence is making a difference.
Moses spoke on last week about him Anderson reminds him of himself from his freshman year.
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The redshirt junior and defensive captain feels like Anderson will be an every down player soon.
“Will is a great player,” Moses said. “He and I have a great relationship. He is actually my locker mate. I talk to him all the time and give him great advice. He is really explosive, really fast, really quick. I see him being a big factor in our defense later on down the road. He just needs to keep developing.”
When it comes to Mac Jones, the Alabama quarterback further explained Anderson’s nickname.
“Coach Sark came up with the name in the film room,” Jones said of Anderson. “He was always around the ball just destroying people. So, he will get better and play a lot here. Hopefully, he can live up to the Terminator name.”
Alabama has not had a dominant edge rusher or edge player since Tim Williams and Ryan Anderson.
Both guys created mayhem and panic for opposing teams in 2015 and 2016. The coaching staff and players for the Tide believe Anderson can restore that type of play to this group.
He is off to a strong start and will look to continue against Texas A&M.
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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.
