Will Anderson evaluates his 2022 season

In 2021, Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson had one of the greatest seasons in history for an edge rusher. He had 17 sacks and 31 tackles for loss, receiving serious Heisman Trophy consideration in the process. 2022 was still a great season for one of college football’s greatest players, but it didn’t statistically live up to 2021.

Still, Will Anderson is up for several awards now that the season is over. That includes the Lombardi Award, for the nation’s best lineman. Ahead of that, he looked back and evaluated his 2022 season.

“I always have high expectations for myself I had to realize,” Will Anderson said. “And Coach [Nick] Saban helped me again, you know other coaches, teams are gonna gameplan for you.”

Will Anderson explained that it could be frustrating at times because he wasn’t getting the same opportunities and production that he had before. However, that’s because teams tried to avoid him, leading to opportunities for his teammates.

“They’re gonna scheme for you. They may not run to you. They’re gonna do other things to try to stop you. So, don’t get frustrated,” Will Anderson said.

“And, at times, I found myself getting a little frustrated, but in those moments we had other guys on our defense step up and make big plays. Byron Young, DJ Dale, DeMarcco Hellams, Henry To’oTo’o. So, super proud of those guys.”

Will Anderson on the 2023 NFL Draft

While Will Anderson does have another season of eligibility to use if he wants it, Will Anderson is expected to be a high first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. So, he’ll likely move on. However, he reportedly hasn’t made a decision about his future yet.

“It’s been in consideration, me and my family, but right now I’m just in the moment. I’m living in the moment of like, again, traveling, being a part of all these special awards, being with my family, letting them get to see all these beautiful places that we are,” Will Anderson said.

“And just being in the moment, being where my feet are. I’m enjoying this moment right now and later on we might see what happens.”