Nick Saban explains what makes Will Anderson special, like a coach on the field

Alabama edge Will Anderson Jr. has become one of the most appreciated players in college football after dominating during his sophomore season. He led the nation in 2021 with 17.5 sacks and led the Crimson Tide with 57 solo tackles. His defensive prowess has him tabbed as one of the best players in the sport and a Heisman candidate as well as an early favorite for the top selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. For Nick Saban, he recognizes how special of a talent he has in Anderson.

Saban recently made an appearance on ‘Next Round Live‘ to talk about his team and his star defender. He says Anderson is different in just how hard he plays and, therefore, leads.

“I think he’s a unique competitor and he loves the game. He wants to be the best player that he can be,” said Saban. “He’s got a lot of pride in his performance and gives tremendous effort. It sets a great example for the other players on the team from a leadership standpoint on and off the field.”

Besides his game on the field, Anderson’s personality away from the game makes him just as great of a prospect. Saban has consistenly applauded him for his character and how much he cares about what Alabama does. He says a player like that is distinct in this era of college football, even in Tuscaloosa.

“When you have a player that you actually have to sort of talk off the cliff when he doesn’t feel like he can go 100% and really do things the way he wants, I think that’s pretty unique in this day and age,” Saban said. “He wants to be the best that he can be. Every day in practice and in the games, he does a great job of preparing. Great character as a person. I can’t say enough good things about the guy.”

Alabama has had an unbelievable stretch of NFL Draft success under Nick Saban. Even so, Anderson could end up as his first No. 1 pick while coaching the Crimson Tide. Based on his play, production and persona, it’d be more than well-deserved. It’ll take another effective season in 2022, though, which will open on September 3rd against Utah State.