Alabama linebacker [autotag]Will Anderson[/autotag] Jr. is one of the most exciting players on the defensive side of the ball in college football. Entering the 2021 season, fans and analysts were excited to see what he could do and he did not disappoint.
Heading into his junior year in the upcoming 2022 season, Anderson is expected to be a Heisman candidate and potential first-overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft.
Though he dominated opposing offensive lines every week and tormented opposing quarterbacks, Anderson did not receive an invite to join his quarterback Bryce Young in New York for the Heisman Trophy ceremony. Anderson finished fifth in the final vote count.
Many fans were upset with the snub and, as it turns out, Anderson was as well. However, it was not a part of his 2021 season goals. That’s changed for the 2022 season, however.
Will Anderson Jr. says the Heisman wasn't something he put on his goals list last season, but he ended up making a case to be a finalist.
This year, he's putting the trophy on that goals list. pic.twitter.com/Ra2Hso1epS
— Paul Finebaum (@finebaum) June 17, 2022
Name, image and likeness (NIL) is something relatively new to college football. The NCAA, individual programs and players are still trying to figure it out. Some players at a very young age are being given six-figure endorsement deals, while the top players are even raking in seven-figure contracts.
Anderson, in a short clip, managed to talk about the positive impact it has and what he plans on doing to help others become more financially literate as the NIL scene progresses.
Will Anderson Jr. has learned a lot about navigating NIL in the last year, now he wants to use his brand to help other young players do the same thing: pic.twitter.com/CQBcMhRo4g
— Paul Finebaum (@finebaum) June 17, 2022
Finally, Anderson spoke about the importance of family. He offers high praise for his father and appreciates how his family brought him up. He even mentioned that in some games he will look up into the crowded stands to try and find them in their seats.
One more clip from @alabamaFTBL's Will Anderson, Jr. – Ahead of Father's Day Weekend he reveals his technique for spying family members in the crowd of his games: pic.twitter.com/ZL95fvhkfl
— Paul Finebaum (@finebaum) June 17, 2022
Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow Anderson and the rest of the 2022 Alabama football team throughout the offseason.
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