Nick Saban gives amazing answer about how Will Anderson can improve in 2022

Alabama linebacker Will Anderson has developed into one of the best defensive players in college football over the past two seasons and has clearly made a fan out of head coach Nick Saban. After stepping up as a leader in just his sophomore season, the former five-star recruit returns for his junior year in 2022.

During an interview at Alabama’s Pro Day, attention temporarily shifted from the players leaving to the players returning as one reporter asked Nick Saban what area where he wants to see Will Anderson improve next season.

“Will was one of the most dominating defensive players in the country last year,” said Saban. “I think that if you ask Will that question, he would probably have a better answer than I could give you even, because we have a tremendous amount of respect for how he played last year, what his production was, what his performance was on a consistent basis.

“I think he challenges himself to continue to develop knowledge of, ‘how can I apply the skills that I have to be even more productive?’ Whether it’s in pass rush, whether it’s in playing the run, whether it’s how I prepare for a game so I can anticipate what’s going to happen next. Because I know as a competitor, he’s never satisfied. And I think that’s probably why he is what he is and why he’ll continue to improve.”

Over two seasons, Anderson has 153 tackles and 24.5 sacks from his outside linebacker spot. He also added three pass deflections and one forced fumble to his totals.

Nick Saban on returning leaders

During a conversation with SEC Network’s Chris Doering, Nick Saban discussed the scarcity of players on the field at Alabama’s Pro Day and what that means for returning talent in 2022.

“I think that we had kind of a young team last year,” said Saban. “We would’ve had nine starters back on offense and nine back on defense, now we have five back on offense and seven back on defense so we had six guys go out early.

“I’m happy for them and I want them to do well, but it creates opportunities for other players, that are you players, to develop and have a significant role on the team. But it’s also a challenge for those guys coming back to sort of embrace the challenge of being able to help those guys – set a good example for them so they can develop the way we’d like for them to – so they can play with great consistency and performance.”

Alabama brings back Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Bryce Young, along with defensive superstar Will Anderson to provide not only talent but leadership on the field for one more year before they participate in their own Pro Day next in 2023.