Will Anderson Jr., born on July 14, 2001, in Hampton, Georgia, emerged as one of college football’s most dynamic defensive players during his time at the University of Alabama. After a standout high school career at Dutchtown High School, where he was a consensus five-star recruit, Anderson committed to Alabama in 2020. He quickly made an impact as a freshman, earning SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors and the title of Freshman All-American. His sophomore season in 2021 further cemented his reputation, as he recorded 17.5 sacks, the most in a single season for Alabama since the early 1980s, and won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy as the nation’s top defensive player.
Anderson’s exceptional performance at Alabama set the stage for his entry into the NFL Draft, where he was widely regarded as one of the top prospects. His combination of size, speed, and tenacity on the field drew comparisons to some of the best defensive players in recent history. Entering the NFL, he was expected to make an immediate impact, with teams looking to harness his elite pass-rushing skills and leadership qualities to bolster their defenses.