Saban on Will Anderson “Nobody Could Represent this University Better”
Nick Saban spoke to a variety of media outlets Thursday about all of his players going out for the NFL Draft at Alabama's pro day, but he was asked about two of them overwhelming more than any others. That would, of course, be projected top five picks Bryce Young and Will Anderson, Jr.
Saban took time to address the pool of media and discuss both players. Specifically on Anderson, Saban got arguably more complimentary than he ever has.
"Well he's got great size, he's got great ability, he's a very good pass rusher, but you're talking about a guy that's a great person," said Saban. "He has throwback competitive character in terms of toughness, work ethic. Great leadership, doing all the things you would want any player on your team to do to play winning football and help other people on your team play winning football."
"I can't say enough good things about the guy. As person, as a character, as a leader," said Saban later on the NFL Network set to Steve Smith, Sr. and Mike Garafolo. "I mean, the fact that he and Bryce played in the bowl game when guys are opting out and they're both probably top five picks, that speaks volumes of how they care about their team. Nobody could represent this University better than he has."
"He's a throwback. He's like 20 years ago, Steve, the way guys went about playing football."
High praise from one of the most throwback, old-school coaches left in the game at any level.
Anderson did not participate in workouts during Alabama's pro day because he felt that he had met all of his goals at the NFL combine.