Will Anderson thankful for rest time before bowl game

Even Will Anderson enjoys a little rest and relaxation time and time again.

It’s been a consistent grind for the Alabama star throughout the 2022 season, but the linebacker has a couple of weeks between the end of the regular season and the Crimson Tide’s Sugar Bowl matchup with Kansas State. During a recent interview, Anderson spoke regarding his time off, and how it’s been helping his mental.

“Just to get a little bit of rest in and working out a little bit before I got on the road,” stated Anderson. “Just to make sure you know, I was still good. They sent me with a few things to do. But it’s been good.

“This little bit, getting this mental headspace in. Getting ready to get my mind back right.”

After the Sugar Bowl, it’ll be a constant journey of getting ready for the 2023 NFL Draft for Anderson. While he hasn’t declared just yet, it would be shocking to see the potential No. 1 overall pick return to Tuscaloosa for another season.

Alas, it’s easy to see why Will Anderson is enjoying his rest at the moment, and nobody can blame him.

Alabama star 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.”

On3’s Dan Morrison contributed to this article.