Alabama outside linebacker Will Anderson was named one of 18 semifinalists for the Chuck Bednarik Award, given annually to the best defensive player in college football. Two Alabama players have received the honor in the past, Jonathan Allen (2016) and Minkah Fitzpatrick (2017).

After a spectacular freshman campaign, Anderson has been even better as a sophomore. The Georgia native leads the entire country in tackles for loss with 17 and ranks third nationally in sacks with nine. Anderson has also registered 53 total tackles, four quarterback pressures and a pass breakup.

Anderson had his finest performance in week seven against Mississippi State when became the third Alabama player to record four sacks in a single game and the first since Derrick Thomas in 1988. He was named the Bronko Nagurski Player of the Week, SEC Defensive Player of the Week and Bednarik Player of the Week honors for his performance.

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Tabbed as a midseason All-American, Anderson has stepped up as more of vocal leader this season.

"Will always comes to work every day, and he's one of those players that when he says it, everybody listens just because of how hard he works," said Malachi Moore. "He goes hard every day in practice no matter what we're doing, and he's always just trying to keep everybody accountable and to keep the main thing the main thing and our goals the same."

The finalists will be announced on Tuesday, Nov. 23 and the winner will be announced on Thursday, Dec. 9 as part of the the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show.

The Tide will host the LSU Tigers on Nov. 6 for a 6:00 p.m. kickoff on ESPN.

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2021 Alabama Crimson Tide Recruiting Class Signees

Alabama Non Con Opponents

 

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