Will Anderson Jr. goes back-to-back winning award for nation's top defensive player
Will Anderson Jr. has done it again. The Alabama linebacker was named the winner of the 2022 Bronko Nagurski Trophy.
Anderson, who also won the award in 2021, is the first back-to-back winner of the prize for the top defensive player in the nation since Pat Fitzgerald in 1995 and ’96.
The Best Defensive Player in College Football. @NagurskiTrophy
Congratulations, @will_anderson28 pic.twitter.com/7f8Fd1qkk9
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) December 6, 2022
Will Anderson poses with the Nagurski trophy, again, in Charlotte. pic.twitter.com/vCPul6unJy
— Mike Rodak (@mikerodak) December 6, 2022
In 2022, Anderson recorded 51 total tackles, including 17 for loss and 10 sacks. He also had 12 quarterback hurries, a pass breakup and an interception during UA’s 2022 season.
Anderson ranks second on Alabama’s career sacks list with 34.5, trailing only Derrick Thomas. He’s also second in UA history behind Thomas in tackles for loss with 62.
Anderson may have played his last Alabama game. The Crimson Tide is set to play in the Sugar Bowl. Sunday, Nick Saban said Anderson participated in team workouts last week, but he had not yet talked to the star linebacker or QB Bryce Young.