Will Anderson touts Alabama's defensive depth: "It just gives me chills"

The 2022-2023 version of the Alabama Crimson Tide defense is expected to be one of the nation’s very best, much like it has been for much of the Nick Saban era in Tuscaloosa. This year’s version might be a little bit better than previous versions and has a good chance to be historically good. After a devastatingly dominant performance in Alabama’s A-Day, many are expecting a Crimson Tide defense that should lead the nation in several stat categories. The undisputed leader of the Alabama defense, Will Anderson, Jr. is really excited about this year’s unit and he couldn’t say enough great things recently.

“Honestly, it gives me chills because I see the guys every day,” Anderson said in an article written by Charlie Potter of 247sports.com. “I know the type of work they’ve put in. I know the type of team we have. So it just gives me chills just to know we have so much depth, so many good players that’s learning what to do and know what to do now, and it’s very scary. I’m excited.” 

Anderson said fans should expect a defensive unit similar to the 2016 version, which led the nation in scoring defense, rushing defense, total defense, and opponent third-down conversions. After seeing four of the Crimson Tide’s defenders rack up multiple sacks in their spring game: Will Anderson (2), Dallas Turner (3), Chris Braswell (2), and Jamil Burroughs (2), it’s easy to see why the freakishly talented defensive end is so fired up about the Tide’s defense this year.

Anderson and Turner should pair up to form one of the most dominant pass-rushing tandems in college football history this season. Those two alone should be terrifying enough for opposing offensive lines to block. Anderson is spot on to believe this year’s version of the Tide defense could be historically good. It’s an absolutely stacked unit.

Mel Kiper reveals Will Anderson Jr. is his No. 1 overall player

ESPN’s Mel Kiper, Jr. released his 2023 Top 25 NFL Big Board this morning with two Alabama stars leading the way. Even after winning the 2022 Heisman, QB Bryce Young couldn’t take the top spot from the Tide’s devastatingly dominant defensive end. After a dominant sophomore season, Kiper recently explained on SportsCenter why Anderson topped his list.

“What a football player Will Anderson Jr. is. It’s going to be tough to unseat him as the No. 1 overall player. The No. 1 pick will be determined by need, but with Will Anderson Jr., what’s not to like?” said Kiper.

Anderson broke out last year with arguably the best defensive season in all of college football. He led the nation in sacks with 17.5 and nearly doubled his total tackles from his freshman season.

“The sack artist he is,” said Kiper. “17 ½ [sacks last season], the way he impacts the game against the run, 34 ½ tackles for loss, and second on the team in tackles with 101, and you throw in the incredible character, the work ethic, the ability to keep getting better and better.”

On3’s Sam Gillenwater also contributed to this article.