Pete Golding reveals why he isn't concerned about Will Anderson becoming complacent

Alabama’s Will Anderson is a player who could easily phone it in week in and and week out. The Crimson Tide’s star edge rusher has enough talent to where he could watch the stats and accolades come to him on his way to becoming the 2023 NFL Draft’s No. 1 pick. Alabama defensive coordinator Pete Golding says that’s not the mindset of the No. 1 Player in On3’s College Rating.

Golding talked about Anderson’s work ethic during the Crimson Tide’s Media Day. He continues to describe Anderson as ‘different’ and a player who has exemplified a term of Nick Saban’s.

“I think that’s what’s different about Will. Will has always been that way. He came in hungry, preparing the right way. Coach (Saban) uses this term ‘relentless discontent’. That’s who Will is. Regardless of what individual accolade he gets and all the praise he gets, that doesn’t change who Will is.”

Anderson led the nation in sacks last season with 17.5 and led Alabama in solo tackles with 57. He went on to beat out two Heisman finalists in first place votes for the award although he was not invited to the ceremony. All the hype and awards from arguably being college football’s most dominant player don’t matter to Anderson though. Golding says he shows up the same way every day with goals even higher than what his coaches can aim him towards.

“Will shows up every day with the same mindset. I’m gonna outwork everybody else, I’m gonna work harder than everybody else, and I’m gonna improve my craft,” said Golding. “I don’t have to put expectations on Will. He has his own. (Will) is the hardest on himself. He is different than a lot of guys but he doesn’t let the noise get to him.”

Will Anderson has plenty of presumptions on how successful his third season in Tuscaloosa will go. He is expected to help his team be in position for another College Football Playoff run on the field. The media will likely applaud him as one of the best in the sport and a future star in the NFL off of it. Both are too far down the road for Anderson according to Pete Golding. He says Anderson is only worried about his goals and his people in the here and now.

“He is trying to be the best football player he can be and then he’s trying to bring people with him. That’s a daily job for him that he looks forward to.”