Will Anderson explains next steps for Alabama defense

As a sophomore, Will Anderson has emerged as a leader on and off the field, providing Alabama with an edge which did not exist early this season. The versatile outside linebacker has drawn nicknames like “The Terminator” from his opponents and teammates, who compare him to a machine.

Following Alabama’s Cotton Bowl win over Cincinnati, Will Anderson spoke with the media about the next steps for the Alabama defense and how the unit can deliver one final statement.

“I think we made a big statement as the season went on,” Anderson explained. “We’ve been starting to get better on defense, cutting down mental errors and stuff like that.”

Earlier this season, Anderson stepped up by calling on his teammates to focus on football. After some close calls and a loss against Texas A&M, his frustration was only rivaled by Nick Saban.

“As the season is going on and we’re coming up on our final game, I think it’s really critical now that we pay attention to little details and make sure that we’re all on the same page and keep cutting down on mental errors, keep having fun, and playing together as a unit,” Anderson said, channeling his head coach. “I think that’s what we’ve been doing right now.”

Will Anderson has already made a statement, leading the Alabama defense with 17.5 sacks, 97 tackles and two pass deflections with 31 tackles for loss.

Will Anderson’s nickname

Alabama’s Will Anderson has a nickname and a favorite type of music, but the two don’t seem to match up. The young pass rusher started the Crimson Tide’s first game last year and continued his dominant reign as a true freshman, which culminated in being selected as the Shaun Alexander-FWAA Freshman of the Year.

Anderson earned the nickname “Terminator” last year after compiling 52 tackles, eight quarterback hurries, seven sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss. His seven sacks ranked third in the SEC, including two multi-sack games against Arkansas and Florida in the SEC Championship Game.

“I hear it almost every day,” Anderson said with a smile. “They still call me the ‘Terminator.’ It’s a great nickname. It’s funny. I laugh now that I hear it.”

But Anderson’s music of choice — especially when preparing to “flip the switch” during pregame warmups — is a little more tranquil.

“A little ’90s R&B, something calm, cool and collected,” Anderson said with a smile. “I listen to a little ’90s to just get me in my mood, just mellow me out and chill.”

While it might appear a little counterintuitive for an aggressive pass rusher to go into a game “mellow,” it seems to work for Anderson.