Alabama Crimson Tide Football by Numbers

DE Rankings: Will Anderson

October 8, 2021 CFB Saturdays Staff

Last Updated: 08/12/2022

As we review the DE rankings, players have had the opportunity to raise their stock and move up the rankings. Before we jump into Will Anderson, here’s a few reminders about the rankings themselves:

The rankings will be updated throughout the season.
Players who have not played college football are not eligible for the rankings.
Players are graded on their college ability, not their pro potential.
We are judging players on their film, production and physical tools.

You can view the College Football DE Rankings here.

Alabama defensive end, Will Anderson came on during his true freshman season and proved he was one of the best pass rushers in the game. He took his game to another level in his second season with the Crimson Tide, wrecking game plans every week. Over the course of the season, Anderson accounted for 101 tackles, 33.5 tackles for loss, 17.5 sacks and 3 pass breakups. He is a problem for any offensive line to handle off the edge, impacting the game in multiple ways in what should have been a Heisman winning season.

Anderson has a lightning quick first step that puts the pressure on the offense immediately. Offensive linemen never seem to have the advantage, they are always reacting to Anderson because of how quickly he gets off the ball. Anderson is able to get into the blockers body and knock them off balance, turn the corner and beat them around the edge or counter back inside when the blocker opens up too quickly. Anderson is nearly impossible to block one on one, because offensive lineman are always a step behind him.

Anderson combines his excellent quickness with a relentless motor. He fights through contact and disengages blockers in a continued pursuit of the football. Anderson adjusts well when the pocket moves and closes on the ball in an instant. He continues to pursue plays even when they are run away from him, and has the athleticism to get back in the picture and make the play. There is no quit in Anderson’s game and that allows him to capitalize on his excellent tools.

Will Anderson has blossomed as a player, adding different rush moves to his arsenal. He has long arms that allow him to disengage blockers and pursue the ball carrier and he has improved his technique to get the most out of his tools. Anderson is strong at the point of attack and uses his quickness to win with leverage and power. With freakish athleticism, a non-stop motor and some football savvy mixed in, Anderson is easily one of the best defensive ends in college football.

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