Will Anderson on Alabama defense, 'championship' mindset this season

Alabama linebacker Will Anderson has been a bright spot in the Crimson Tide’s inconsistent defense all season. His play on the edge has drawn national attention, making him a dark horse Heisman contender entering the final stretch. On Tuesday, Anderson spoke with the media about Alabama’s championship mentality and progress throughout the season.

“Most definitely,” Anderson responded to questions about Alabama’s contender status. “I feel like since the season’s been going on, we’ve been shifting our mindset. We’re a championship team and we have to go out there and do championship things and all come together, and all be on the same page. Our mindset and mentality has been the same, so I think we’ve come to a common goal. If we want to be a championship team we have to do what champions do.”

Will Anderson quickly established himself as a leader on the Alabama defense, calling for more comradery and a return to the “Alabama standard” earlier this season. The star linebacker provided an update on that progress as well.

“In the beginning, when you guys were asking me this, I was just telling you we want to focus on our team chemistry and all of us be on the same page and everybody doing what’s right so we all can have fun and go out there,” said Anderson. “I think, again, that mindset has started to get over everybody and everybody’s starting to have fun. You see, we cheer with each other, everybody is on the same page.

“If somebody makes a big play we’re all over there huddling up and stuff like that. So I think the mindset on the defense has changed a lot and that chemistry that we’re starting to build is really helping us play better and together.”

Through Alabama’s 10 games this year, Anderson has racked up 67 total tackles, 23 tackles-for-loss, 12.5 sacks and six quarterback hurries. His best game of 2021 so far came against LSU on Nov. 6, when Anderson made 12 tackles with 1.5 sacks.

SEC coaches on Will Anderson

Will Anderson built quite the fanbase this season. Ten games into his sophomore season, all the SEC coaches seem to have strong opinions on his talent and future upside. Among those to weigh in on Anderson’s dominance was Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin, who provided a new nickname to the versatile defender.

“He’s arguably the most dynamic player in all of college football,” Kiffin said Wednesday on the SEC teleconference. “I call him the predator. When we played them – just tearing up everything that he’s around like the movie. So he’s a major issue.”

LSU head coach Ed Orgeron was also asked about Anderson – a player he recruited and tried to get to come to Baton Rouge – and what makes him so special.

“Phenomenal football player,” Orgeron said. “I recruited him. He’s a great young man … speed, quickness, toughness and awareness. They change up stuff they do with him. Sometimes he’s going to crash and take the back, sometimes he’s up on the quarterback. He’s great at the point-of-attack. I think he’s a first-round pick.”