Desmond Howard makes case for Alabama's Will Anderson as serious Heisman contender

It’s rare that a defensive player even has a shot to win the Heisman Trophy. It, traditionally, goes to an offensive player on a big-brand team that had a winning season. If a player doesn’t fall into those categories, they’re often overlooked. One of those overlooked players was Will Anderson in 2021. However, college football analyst Desmond Howard thinks that could change in 2022.

Desmond Howard said on First Take that he would be willing to vote for Will Anderson if he deserves to win the Heisman Trophy. Then, he pointed out how close Aidan Hutchinson of Michigan came to winning in 2021.

“Aidan Hutchinson of Michigan, he was a defensive lineman, He came in second a year ago,” Desmond Howard said. “So, I think that Will Anderson with the preseason hype that he’s already getting, that he stands a strong chance to win it.”

CLICK HERE to subscribe for FREE to the On3 YouTube channel

“As a voter and a winner, I mean, I have no problem voting for him if he earns it and deserves it.”

Only one player in the history of the Heisman Trophy has won as a defensive player, and that was Charles Woodson. However, Woodson also played special teams and some offense the year he won the Heisman. Desmond Howard won it himself a few years prior to that.

In the modern era, there are a few defensive players who deserved consideration for the Heisman Trophy. As Desmond Howard pointed out, that list starts with Aidan Hutchinson and Will Anderson in 2021. However, it also includes players like Manti Te’o and Ndamukong Suh.

Whether or not it’s possible for Will Anderson to win the Heisman Trophy relies heavily on the voters. The problem is that many voters either vote based on box scores, are unable to watch every game, or are too obsessed with the offensive side of the ball. Still, if more are able to see the whole picture like Desmond Howard, then Anderson has a chance.