J.D. PicKell: How Will Anderson can sneak into the 2022 Heisman conversation

When Will Anderson did not get an invite to the Heisman Trophy ceremony last season, there was some outrage. The Alabama pass rusher was able to record 101 tackles, 31.0 tackles for a loss, and 17.5 sacks throughout his 15 appearances. Even with the eye-popping numbers, Anderson will be hoping to better them this upcoming season.

Getting to New York City may not be on the mind of Anderson but it certainly is for everyone else watching. On3’s J.D. PicKell discussed how the Crimson Tide star can possibly win the Heisman Trophy. But first, took some time to explain how good Anderson is, using this past spring game as an example.

“Dude’s just a freakshow,” PicKell said. “Like, legitimately would be Rated R if you went to go see him at the movies because of the things he does to offenses. He absolutely wreaked havoc during the spring game. Nick Saban had to tell him to chill out and go take a seat so they could run their offense properly. Anytime your head coach tells you ‘hey, we can’t have you playing right now because we need to run our offense,’ that means something. Let’s not just brush that off.”

Production will be the difference for Will Anderson

What PicKell will make the difference for Anderson is how his production compares to last season. While he was certainly on team’s radars coming out of his true freshman season, it will be on a different level throughout 2022. Double teams will be coming his way constantly.

At the end of the day, the Heisman is about what kind of numbers you put up. If Anderson cannot at least replicate his statistics for last year, winning the award may be tough.

“The thing I am worried about for him — obviously with the splitting votes thing for him and Bryce Young, but, production,” said PicKell. “Had a lot of it last year. He’s a known commodity this coming year. He’s going to be doubled a lot of the season. Does that hurt his numbers? Does that keep him from ultimately hurt him from winning the award?

“I think he’ll get invited purely off voters should feel bad for not inviting him a year ago. But ultimately, production, production, production is the name of the game. Especially if you’re a defensive player trying to win this award.”

Counting out Anderson would be foolish because if any pass rusher in the country can overcome a few extra blockers, it’s him. Already projected to be a top-five NFL Draft pick, adding a Heisman Trophy to his resume would cement Anderson as one of the all-time Alabama greats.