Will Anderson reveals what it's like playing under Nick Saban, the best lesson learned

One of the first things anybody who has rolled through Tuscaloosa is asked about is Nick Saban. Widely regarded as the best head coach in college football, everyone wants to know how he operates on a daily basis for Alabama. Players who are going through the NFL Draft process are especially peppered with questions as they have recently been around Saban.

Whenever there is a good relationship between the player and Saban, the answers only get better. So, projected first-round pick Will Anderson was able to give excellent insight into what it’s like to play under Saban. Anderson also revealed the best lesson he learned under the head coach throughout his three seasons on campus.

“Probably just the structure and embracing the challenge,” Anderson said during Tuesday’s episode of First Take on ESPN. “I know one thing that stuck with me just talking to him, being around him is…every season is different. Every season is not going to be like the same exact season.

“You’re going to be different, games are going to be different, you know, and just embrace it and have fun, because at the end of the day, that’s what football is all about.”

Anderson definitely had three different types of seasons while at Alabama. As a true freshman, Anderson was part of a dominating national championship-winning team — going 12-0 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The following year resulted in another SEC Championship but a national title game loss to Georgia before not even making the College Football Playoff in 2022.

Of course, hoisting a trophy will be the best on-the-field memory for Anderson, and will go down as a program legend for doing so. His individual performances will not hurt either, especially since many fans thought he should have been in New York City as a Heisman Trophy finalist.

Now, everyone will be waiting for Anderson to be the latest Saban player to be selected in the first round. In the latest 2023 NFL mock draft from ESPN’s Todd McShay and Mel Kiper, Anderson was projected to go third overall to the Arizona Cardinals and be the first non-quarterback off the board.

If Anderson does wind up in Arizona, he will be taking his teachings from Saban with him out West. Slightly more pressure will be placed on him, being considered a franchise player. However, playing under Saban has translated well to the NFL for previous players.

On3’s Alex Weber contributed to this report