Will Anderson Jr. reacts to Texans drafting him, reconnecting with Alabama alums

The Houston Texas made a huge splash in the first round of the NFL draft Thursday night when they landed former Alabama star Will Anderson Jr.

Not only did Houston get its quarterback of the future in former Ohio State star CJ Stroud at No. 2 overall, but they also traded back into the top 5 to land the top defensive player in the draft.

Anderson will be reunited with a couple of former Alabama teammates in Houston.

In addition to Anderson, the Texans also have two former Crimson Tide stars in linebacker Christian Harris and receiver John Metchie III on their roster.

Anderson is fired up to be in Houston and playing with his former teammates.

“When I went to Houston, bro, I loved it, bro,” Will Anderson Jr. said to his newest teammate CJ Stroud. “Then I got my boy Metch. Christian Harris down there … Woooohooohooo.”

The boys are ready to be made by H-Town 🤘 pic.twitter.com/jyxpCOaycw

— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) April 28, 2023

Will Anderson was considered to be the top defensive prospect in the draft after an incredible college career at Alabama.

He is second on Alabama’s career sacks list with 34.5, despite only playing three seasons for the Crimson Tide.

This past season, Anderson recorded 51 tackles, including a team-high 17 tackles for loss. He added 10 sacks, an interception and 12 quarterback hurries.

While Anderson’s junior season was really good, his sophomore season was even better.

The Georgia native was recognized as the top defensive player in the country after leading the nation with 34.5 tackles for loss. He also led the nation with 17.5 sacks and was second on the team with 102 tackles.

Will Anderson says ‘it means everything’ that Texans traded up for him

After being selected No. 3 overall, Will Anderson appeared on the NFL Network. He was asked what it meant to him for the Texans to trade up for him.

“It means everything,” Anderson said. “Everybody don’t know how much hard work goes into this. The sacrifices I made. The hard work. The dedication. Everything that goes into this. They just see what happened on Saturday but the process. I’m just so blessed and favored by God.”

Anderson and No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young are the first Alabama teammates to be drafted in the top five of the draft.

He told the Texans fan base that they are getting a hard-working player.

“They’re just getting a complete player, complete person, high character player, but also a good player you know what I’m saying,” Anderson said. “Who’s gonna go out there do his job every snap, relentless motor, high mindset, good motivation, good energy on the team, jumping up and down. and that’s what I’m all about. And I’m ready.”