Heisman voter uses incredible excuse for exclusion of Will Anderson as finalist

The Heisman Trophy announced its four finalists on Monday, with Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett, Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud, and Alabama quarterback Bryce Young will be heading to New York.

However, the talk right now is about the absence of Alabama linebacker Will Anderson. Many believe he is the best player in the country, let alone his own football team. Now, Anderson will not have the honor of being a Heisman finalist and will finish fifth at best.

Graham Couch of the Lansing State Journal columnist explained why Anderson was not one of the players he voted for inside the top four. He said he was not able to see the Crimson Tide star enough this season.

“The problem with the Heisman is that it’s a QB and momentum award,” Couch said in a tweet on Monday. “Most voters – myself included – aren’t able to see enough or sophisticated enough to determine the most outstanding player in CFB. Will Anderson is likely the best player in the sport. But I didn’t see him enough.”

Anderson is two tackles for a loss away from breaking the NCAA record, currently sitting at 31.5. He will have at least the College Football Playoff semifinal against Cincinnati in the Cotton Bowl to break the record. Add on 91 tackles, 52 of which have been solo, and 15.5 sacks, and Anderson has been one of the top players in the country this season.

Nick Saban makes Anderson’s case for the Heisman

Nick Saban was one of many advocates for Anderson to have a shot at winning the Heisman Trophy. Leading into the SEC Championship game against the Georgia Bulldogs, the Alabama head coach explained why the linebacker is one of the best in college football.

“I think he’s been one of the most productive players in college football as a defensive player,” Saban said. “He’s done everything that we’ve asked him to do, he’s a very consistent player, he’s very disciplined in terms of doing his job and does it with tremendous effort and toughness. So, I don’t know that there’s a lot of good football players out there on both sides of the ball, but he’s done as much for our team as anybody ever has.”