Why Not Will Anderson Jr. For Heisman?

Will Anderson Jr.

The Alabama Crimson Tide’s linebacker is a human wrecking ball. He is a human wrecking ball with a large chip on his shoulder too.

Last season, the Crimson Tide linebacker dominated opponents through a voracious will to tackle anything and everything that came his way. He finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting, with many pundits and fans feeling the trophy should have been his.

Unfortunately, he plays on the wrong side of the ball. Since its inception in 1935, Michigan’s Charles Woodson, is the only defensive player to win the Heisman Trophy.

The Wrong Side Of The Ball?

Potential No. 1 Overall Pick Will Anderson — Alabama’s Will Anderson Jr. should be considered a top Heisman Trophy candidate despite playing defense.

In his first two seasons at Alabama, Anderson Jr. has recorded 24.5 sacks, along with 153 total tackles. He is a defensive juggernaut, to say the least, but he will be held back by the simple fact that he plays on the wrong side of the ball, at least according to Heisman voters.

To change this limited perception, some Alabama fans have urged Coach Nick Saban to play Anderson Jr. at tight end throughout the season. The feeling is, that if Anderson Jr. scores a few touchdowns as Woodson did during his Heisman Trophy season, Anderson Jr. may win over enough votes to keep the Heisman Trophy in Tuscaloosa for the second season in a row (Quarterback Bryce Young won last season).

Times To Shine?

Alabama's Will Anderson Jr. — Anderson Jr. will have opportunities to get the Heisman Trophy voters on his side.

Of course, playing at the University of Alabama brings many opportunities to shine on the biggest college stage. Will Anderson Jr. knows this; that’s why he chose to play at Alabama. It could even be assumed that he has the following dates circled on his calendar:

Time To Shine #1: Alabama @ Texas – September 3rd

This early road test reunites Alabama and Saban with former Offensive Coordinator, Steve Sarkisian. It also pits Will Anderson Jr. versus fellow Heisman-hopeful, Texas running back, Bijan Robinson. Anderson Jr.’s ability to penetrate into the backfield and stuff Robinson at the line would be a great start to his Heisman Trophy campaign.

Time To Shine #2: Texas A&M @ Alabama – October 8th

THE REVENGE GAME! Anderson Jr. and the rest of the Tide want this one bad. Sure, the lead-up to the game will focus on the media spat between Saban and Jimbo Fisher, but ultimately, the game is played on the field. A big game by Anderson Jr. can go a long way in solidifying his place in the Heisman Trophy race.

Time To Shine #3: Auburn @ Alabama – November 26th

Last season, Bryce Young’s performance in the Iron Bowl made him a shoo-in to win the Heisman Trophy. Once again, this game can go a long way in providing Anderson Jr. with the spotlight he needs to take home College Football’s most prestigious player award.