Everything Alabama LB Will Anderson said ahead of Utah State

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama outside linebacker Will Anderson is one of the most feared players in college football. In fact, the former five-star talent is projected to be the top overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. On Monday, he spoke to the media ahead of the Crimson Tide’s season opener against Utah State.

Below, you can check out everything Anderson said during his media availability.

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On sacking Bryce Young in practice…

“The thing about Bryce is he doesn’t like to be sacked and we are constantly in space sometimes. He likes to think you’re not. He’ll complete a pass but the whistle will have already been blown. Like in his mind, that’s not a sack but that’s where that comes from.”

On if he’s had an accidental quarterback sacks again in practice…

“Oh, no, no no. Especially not this year. I’m not even … I pull up once I get to the point where or reach, I just pull up. I don’t even touch Bryce anymore.”

On how the cornerbacks are progressing…

“You know all of those guys are doing a really great job. I’m not the coach to sit up here and say who will start and who will play but all of those guys have done a really good job of trying to learn the playbook and competing and doing a good job so I’m proud of those guys.”

On Kendrick Blackshire…

“He’s been doing a really great job. He’s still trying to learn the playbook a little bit and coaches are working with him but he’s had great development from his freshman to his sophomore year.”

On what he wants to see from the defense as a leader…

“What I want to see from this defense is what we’ve been preaching all offseason and what we’ve been doing all offseason, just playing fast and playing physical and building that team chemistry and most importantly is paying attention to the little details and cutting down on the mental errors.”

On how the offensive line has been criticized, how they have looked…

“Me and (Eric Wolford) talk a lot. We talk more than what you think and when they have a really good day or I see improvement, I give him that look like they’re coming along and they’re looking good. He has tremendous energy and what he brings to that room is something I think they needed. And it’s been really great. You can see the improvement. They’ve been doing a really good job of getting us better. I love those guys and I think they’re doing a great job.”

On how important it is to have depth…

“I think that’s the thing coach has been harping on all season long, developing those younger guys where when they get in situations, he’s been really big on that. But the younger guys have been doing a really good job making strides if their name is called, if the opportunity arises, they will be ready.”

On Utah State’s offense and defense…

“They’re a fast team. They like to do tempo a little bit. They have a really good offensive line. They’re big up front. Their running back is a shifty guy. He likes to get the ball downhill so it will be a great challenge for us. I think they’re a great team and it’s going to be a good challenge for us.”

On how excited he is to get back on the field for a game…

“I’m so excited. From the time I woke up this morning, from the time I was in the weight room, all I’ve been envisioning the game on Saturday. Everything that’s going to be going on. That’s all I’ve been thinking about all day. I’m very excited. Just to play in Bryant-Denny in the first game this season, it’s going to be something big and something huge. We’re all excited.”

On Alabama freshman Jaheim Oatis…

“I’m very happy for him. He’s one of the freshman who came in, worked hard and didn’t complain. He did exactly what he said he was going to do. I remember I was on Twitter and he was (saying) he was going to come in and lose weight and compete for a spot.

“I remember I looked at Coach Roach and said these are the type of players we need in our locker room. And he stuck to exactly what he said so just watching him develop every day and get better. Not complain, not cry, not moan or anything like that. It has been great watching him step up and help this defense so I’m excited to watch him.?

On if the “Fire and Ice” nickname suites him and Young…

“It is. I agree with you. It is. Because me on the field, I’m really riled up. Bryce is like real mellow. He has a different style on the field so I agree with you.”

On the benefits of bringing that leadership balance with Young…

“Sometimes you need that calm and relaxed because in some moments in the game, it might not always been needed to be fired up and things like that. So sometimes when I watch Bryce, he’s calm and collected, I say ‘Oh, Bryce has the ability to stay calm and collected, I can do that same thing.’ I feed off my teammates a lot more than people really know. Last year, Big Phil used to be next to me and he’s like ‘I’m good.’ That’s how I look at it.”

On the interior pass rush from Alabama’s defensive line…

“Jamil Burroughs is one guy who can be a very good interior pass rusher. He’s been doing a really good job and I’m excited for him to be out there with us.”

On navigating his attention…

“For me, I have to come to work every day like my job is on the line. I think that’s what keeps me going. No matter what, somebody is always coming for whatever I’ve got. So it’s easy for me to navigate those things because I have to come to work every day and work hard and keep what I have. I think that’s one of the easiest ways to block out the noise and whatever else is trying to come into my ear.”

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