Will Anderson Jr.

Last updated

Will Anderson Jr.
Will Anderson Jr. NFL Combine (cropped).png
Anderson Jr. at the 2023 NFL Combine
No. 51 – Houston Texans
Position: Defensive end
Personal information
Born: (2001-09-02) September 2, 2001 (age 23)
Hampton, Georgia, U.S.
Height:6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight:243 lb (110 kg)
Career information
High school: Dutchtown (Hampton)
College: Alabama (2020–2022)
NFL draft: 2023  / round: 1 / pick: 3
Career history
Roster status:Active
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics as of Week 15, 2024
Total tackles:65
Sacks:17.5
Forced fumbles:1
Fumble recoveries:1
Pass deflections:2
Stats at Pro Football Reference

William Anderson Jr. (born September 2, 2001) is an American professional football defensive end for the Houston Texans of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide, where he won several awards, such as the Bronko Nagurski Trophy twice, and was a part of Alabama's national championship in 2020.

Contents

Anderson was selected by the Texans third overall in the 2023 NFL draft, who traded up to get him after selecting Ohio State quarterback C. J. Stroud with the previous pick. He won NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2023.

Early life

Anderson was born on September 2, 2001, in Hampton, Georgia. [1] He attended Dutchtown High School, where he recorded 22 sacks with 15 tackles for loss as a senior in 2019. Anderson was named to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution 's "Super 11" team and played in the 2020 All-American Bowl. [2] [3] [4] Anderson committed to play college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide. [5] [6]

College career

Anderson was named a starter at outside linebacker as a freshman in 2020. [7] [8] [9] He was named second-team All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) after finishing with seven quarterback sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss as the Crimson Tide won the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship. [10] As a sophomore in 2021, Anderson won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year, and was voted a unanimous All-American after recording 17.5 sacks and 34.5 tackles for loss, both of which led the nation. [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] He finished fifth in Heisman Trophy voting. [16]

On November 17, 2022, Anderson recorded a 25-yard interception return for a touchdown against Louisiana-Monroe. [17] In the 2022 season, Anderson had 51 total tackles (24 solo), ten sacks, and one interception in 13 games. [18] His ten sacks led the SEC for the 2022 season. [19] He won the Bronko Nagurski Award, Chuck Bednarik Award, Lott Impact Trophy, and the Lombardi Award, [20] [21] [22] [23] in addition to being named a consensus All-American and the SEC Defensive Player of the Year. [13] [24]

College statistics

SeasonGPTacklesInterceptionsFumbles
SoloAstCmbTfLSckIntYdsAvgTDPDFRYdsTDFF
2020 1333185210.57.0000.0000001
2021 1558451013117.5000.0030000
2022 132427511710.012525.0120000
Career 411159020458.534.512525.0150001

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables
HeightWeightArm lengthHand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split20-yard split
6 ft 3+1⁄2 in
(1.92 m)		253 lb
(115 kg)		33+7⁄8 in
(0.86 m)		9+7⁄8 in
(0.25 m)		4.60 s1.61 s2.64 s
All values from the NFL Combine [25] [26]

Anderson was selected third overall by the Houston Texans in the 2023 NFL draft, in which, they traded with the Arizona Cardinals from the 12th overall pick that they acquired from the Cleveland Browns in the Deshaun Watson trade to move up to third overall. [27] [28] On June 23, 2023, Anderson signed a four-year deal worth $35.2 million featuring a $22.6 million signing bonus. [29] In his NFL debut against the Ravens in Week 1, Anderson recorded one sack and six total tackles. [30] In Week 13, against the Broncos, he recorded his first multi-sack game with two. [31] As a rookie, he started in 13 games and appeared in 15. He finished with seven sacks, 45 total tackles (29 solo), and one pass defended. [32] He was named to the PFWA NFL All-Rookie Team. [33] He was named Defensive Rookie of the Year. [34]

Anderson was named to the 2023 Pro Bowl following an injury to American Football Conference starter Maxx Crosby. [35]

In his postseason debut, Anderson had a sack in the 45–14 victory over the Browns in the Wild Card Round. [36]

In Week 6 of the 2024 season, Anderson recorded three sacks, eight tackles and four tackles for loss in a 41-21 win over the New England Patriots, earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week. [37]

Personal life

Anderson is a Christian. [38] Anderson is the son of Will Anderson Sr. and Tereon Anderson. He has five older sisters. [39]

NFL career statistics

Regular season

YearTeamGamesTacklesFumblesInterceptions
GPGSCmbSoloAstSckTFLFFFRYdsTDIntYdsTDPD
2023 HOU 15134529167.010———————1
2024 HOU 88272077.53—1—————1
Career 232172492314.513—1—————2

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tracy Rocker</span> American football player and coach (born 1966)

Tracy Quinton Rocker is an American football coach and former player who is the defensive line coach for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League (NFL). He played as a defensive tackle in the NFL.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">DeMeco Ryans</span> American football player and coach (born 1984)

DeMeco Ryans is an American professional football coach and former linebacker who is the head coach of the Houston Texans of the National Football League (NFL). Ryans played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide, where he was named a unanimous All-American.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Glenn Dorsey</span> American football player (born 1985)

Glenn Jamon Dorsey is an American former professional football player who was a defensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the LSU Tigers, receiving All-American honors twice and earning recognition as the top college defensive player of the 2007 season. He was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs with the fifth overall pick in the 2008 NFL draft, and played for the San Francisco 49ers later in his career as well.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Quentin Groves</span> American football player (born 1984)

Quentin Dominic Groves was an American football linebacker. He was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second round of the 2008 NFL draft and played college football at Auburn. He was also a member of the Oakland Raiders, Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans and the Buffalo Bills.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jerry Hughes</span> American football player (born 1988)

Jerry Ray Hughes Jr. is an American professional football defensive end for the Houston Texans of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the TCU Horned Frogs, where he was twice recognized as a consensus All-American before being selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the first round of the 2010 NFL draft. Hughes has also played for the Buffalo Bills, with whom he has played the majority of his pro career.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jadeveon Clowney</span> American football player (born 1993)

Jadeveon Davarus Clowney is an American professional football linebacker for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the South Carolina Gamecocks, where he won the Ted Hendricks Award, and was selected first overall by the Houston Texans in the 2014 NFL draft. Clowney was a member of the Texans for five seasons, earning three consecutive Pro Bowl selections during his final years with the team. Following his departure from Houston, he played with the Seattle Seahawks, Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, and Baltimore Ravens.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alex Okafor</span> American football player (born 1991)

Alex Okafor is an American former professional football player who was a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Texas Longhorns. earning All-American honors. Okafor was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL draft, and has also played for the New Orleans Saints and Kansas City Chiefs. He won Super Bowl LIV with the Chiefs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A'Shawn Robinson</span> American football player (born 1995)

A'Shawn Robinson is an American professional football defensive end for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Alabama. He was selected by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft and has also played in the NFL for the Los Angeles Rams, with whom he won Super Bowl LVI.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kerry Hyder</span> American football player (born 1991)

Kerry Hyder Jr. is an American professional football defensive end. He played college football for Texas Tech.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Malcom Brown</span> American football player (born 1994)

Malcom D'Shawn Brown is an American former professional football player who was a defensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Texas Longhorns and was selected by the New England Patriots in the first round of the 2015 NFL draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jonathan Allen</span> American football player (born 1995)

Jonathan Allen is an American professional football defensive tackle for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide, winning a national championship in 2015 and several defensive player of the year awards in 2016. Allen was selected by Washington in the first round of the 2017 NFL draft, with him making two Pro Bowls.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ed Oliver (American football)</span> American football player (born 1997)

Edward Oliver is an American professional football defensive tackle for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Houston Cougars, and was selected by the Bills in the first round of the 2019 NFL draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Christian Wilkins</span> American football player (born 1995)

Christian Wilkins is an American professional football defensive tackle for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Clemson and was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the first round of the 2019 NFL draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Khaleke Hudson</span> American football player (born 1997)

Khaleke Hudson is an American professional football linebacker for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Michigan Wolverines, twice named an All-Big Ten selection. He was drafted by the Washington Commanders in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL draft. Hudson shares an NCAA record for most tackles for a loss in a game with eight, doing so in 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Josh Hines-Allen</span> American football player (born 1997)

Joshua Hines-Allen is an American professional football defensive end for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Kentucky Wildcats, where he won the Chuck Bednarik Award and Bronko Nagurski Trophy as a junior. Hines-Allen was selected seventh overall by the Jaguars in the 2019 NFL draft and has received two Pro Bowl selections with the team. Until 2024, Hines-Allen was known as Josh Allen, a name he shared with the quarterback of the Buffalo Bills.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Antoine Winfield Jr.</span> American football player (born 1998)

Antoine Duane Winfield Jr. is an American professional football safety for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Minnesota Golden Gophers, earning unanimous All-American honors. Winfield was selected by the Buccaneers in the second round of the 2020 NFL draft.

Brandon Jones is an American professional football safety for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Texas.

Joseph Ossai is a Nigerian professional American football defensive end for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Texas Longhorns, where he was a consensus All-American. He was drafted by the Bengals in the third round of the 2021 NFL draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2022 Alabama Crimson Tide football team</span> American college football season

The 2022 Alabama Crimson Tide football team represented the University of Alabama in the 2022 NCAA Division I FBS football season. This was the Crimson Tide's 128th overall season, 89th as a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), and 31st within the SEC Western Division. They played their home games at Bryant–Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. They were led by their head coach Nick Saban in his 16th season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mason Graham</span> American football player (born 2003)

Mason Graham is an American college football defensive tackle. He was a two-time All-American for the Michigan Wolverines. In 2023, he won a national championship, and earned the defensive MVP award in the 2024 Rose Bowl.

References

  1. ↑ Alvarez, Nick (April 28, 2023). "Alabama's Will Anderson drafted No. 3 by Houston Texans in 2023 NFL Draft". AL.com. Retrieved July 15, 2023.
  2. ↑ "2019 AJC Super 11: Will Anderson, Dutchtown". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution . August 19, 2019. Retrieved December 12, 2020.
  3. ↑ Potter, Charlie (September 23, 2020). "Will Anderson's ascent to starting role 'not surprising at all'". 247Sports . Retrieved December 12, 2020.
  4. ↑ Zenitz, Mark (February 6, 2020). "Why football people are so high on a new Alabama edge rusher". AL.com . Retrieved December 12, 2020.
  5. ↑ Rodak, Mike (December 18, 2019). "Four-star linebacker Will Anderson signs with Alabama". AL.com . Retrieved December 12, 2020.
  6. ↑ Simmons, Chad (June 17, 2019). "Breaking: Four-star DE Williams Anderson commits to Alabama". Yahoo Sports . Retrieved December 12, 2020.
  7. ↑ Rodak, Mike (September 17, 2020). "Teammate: Alabama freshman Will Anderson has 'got it'". AL.com . Retrieved December 12, 2020.
  8. ↑ Hudson, Brett (September 27, 2020). "Alabama freshman linebacker Will Anderson Jr. performs well in debut". Dothan Eagle . Retrieved December 12, 2020.
  9. ↑ Suttles, Aaron (September 17, 2020). "Alabama mailbag: Is Will Anderson the elite edge rusher Bama has been missing?". The Athletic . Retrieved December 12, 2020.
  10. ↑ Rodak, Mike (August 24, 2021). "Is Will Anderson the elite edge rusher the Nick Saban era has been missing?". AL.com . Retrieved August 25, 2021.
  11. ↑ "Bronko Nagurski Award Winners". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  12. ↑ "SEC Defensive Player of the Year Winners". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  13. 1 2 "Consensus All-America Teams (2020–2022)". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  14. ↑ Logan, Collier (April 24, 2022). "College Football's Best Player is Will Anderson, Jr., the Likely No. 1 Pick in the 2023 NFL Draft". SI.com. Retrieved May 2, 2022.
  15. ↑ Smith, Stephen M. (April 19, 2022). "Alabama LB Will Anderson earns comparison to NFL legend, Jason Taylor". TouchdownAlabama.com. Retrieved May 2, 2022.
  16. ↑ "2021 Heisman Trophy Voting". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  17. ↑ "Louisiana-Monroe at Alabama Box Score, September 17, 2022". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  18. ↑ "Will Anderson 2022 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  19. ↑ "2022 Southeastern Conference Leaders". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  20. ↑ Ubben, David (December 5, 2022). "Will Anderson wins Nagurski Trophy for second straight year". The Athletic. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  21. ↑ "Ronnie Lott Trophy Winners". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  22. ↑ "Vince Lombardi Award Winners". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  23. ↑ "Chuck Bednarik Award Winners". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  24. ↑ Rodak, Mike (December 7, 2022). "SEC coaches pick Will Anderson as defensive player of the year, again". AL.com. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  25. ↑ "Will Anderson Jr. Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved April 10, 2023.
  26. ↑ "2023 NFL Draft Scout Will Anderson Jr. College Football Profile". DraftScout.com. Retrieved April 10, 2023.
  27. ↑ "Texans select Alabama LB Will Anderson with the #3 pick of the 2023 NFL Draft". HoustonTexans.com. April 27, 2023. Retrieved June 1, 2023.
  28. ↑ "Houston Texans' No. 3 pick Will Anderson Jr. is a man among big female energy thanks to 5 sisters". ABC13 Houston. April 28, 2023. Retrieved April 28, 2023.
  29. ↑ Spurr, Aj (June 24, 2023). "Will Anderson Jr. contract details with Houston Texans revealed". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved July 13, 2024.
  30. ↑ "Houston Texans at Baltimore Ravens - September 10th, 2023". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved July 13, 2024.
  31. ↑ "Denver Broncos at Houston Texans - December 3rd, 2023". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved July 13, 2024.
  32. ↑ "Will Anderson 2023 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved July 13, 2024.
  33. ↑ "2023 NFL All-Rookie Team". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved July 13, 2024.
  34. ↑ "AP Defensive Rookie of the Year Winners". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved July 13, 2024.
  35. ↑ Barefield, Brian (January 24, 2024). "Texans DE Will Anderson Jr. named to 2024 Pro Bowl". Texans Wire. USA Today. Retrieved July 13, 2024.
  36. ↑ "Wild Card - Cleveland Browns at Houston Texans - January 13th, 2024". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved July 13, 2024.
  37. ↑ Gordon, Grant (October 16, 2024). "Ravens RB Derrick Henry, Buccaneers RB Sean Tucker highlight Players of the Week". NFL.com.
  38. ↑ Mercer, Kevin. "Entering 2nd year, Texans defensive end Will Anderson seeks to rest in God's approval". Sports Spectrum. Retrieved July 25, 2024.
  39. ↑ Dellenger, Ross (December 28, 2021). "The Secret to Will Anderson Jr.'s Quick Rise at Alabama? Family, and Anger". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved July 25, 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.