Could the Iron Bowl be the last time we see Bryce Young and Will Anderson in an Alabama uniform?
Both had their best moments against Auburn. Anderson’s first career sack for the Crimson Tide came in the 2020 matchup, while Young led the Tide to a 24-22 win over the Tigers last year. Young and Anderson are the likely top 5 picks for next year’s NFL draft and have plenty of admirers. Both players came into the 2020 class as five-star players and helped The Tide to a College Football Playoff National Championship and two Southeastern Conference Championships. Several players, particularly if they are first-round selections, sit out bowl games. Young and Anderson discussed in the press Monday whether Saturday’s matchup against Auburn at Bryant Denny Stadium will be their last time playing. Both kept their answers for reporters close to the vest.
Young said he hasn’t made a decision about his future to turn pro.
“I take everything one day at a time,” he said. “All I’ve focused on all year is the next opponent. This is a huge game and it means a lot to me and the people across the state. This is a huge game for us on this team. I’m just thinking about today and how to be the best version of myself. That’s all I focus on.”
He continued with his statement of “taking things one day at a time” after being asked a second time about considering Saturday’s matchup as possibly his last in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
“I didn’t think about anything in the future,” Young said. “All I care about is this program and for me personally and for us as a team, my job today is to do my best. My job is to give the team the best circumstances and that’s all I’ve focused on. I understand how much this game means to us as a team and everyone in the state. So I have to do everything I can to focus on myself personally and on us as a unit to put us in the best possible position to be successful on Saturday.”
Like Young, Anderson has yet to make any decisions about his possible pro future.
Alabama linebacker Will Anderson Jr. (31) rushes the quarterback against Tennessee at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, TN on Saturday October 15, 2022.
“I’ve just focused on this season and continue to be a good leader,” he said. “I want to show the guys how to do it properly here, but it was a great time here. Playing at Bryant-Denny was fun, so many memories. I want to keep these memories. It was fun and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
Alabama will have its bowl game after it plays Auburn.
Young and Anderson sound like they’ll be in for some postseason action, but we’ll see what happens.
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Stephen M. Smith is the senior editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him. Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
