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College Football Playoff: Five Players to Watch in the National Championship

By Jerran Anderson

Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) walks on the field during the first quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) walks on the field during the first quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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4. LB Ryan Anderson, Alabama

Linebacker Ryan Anderson is the tone setter on an Alabama Crimson Tide defense that doesn’t allow very many points. The Crimson Tide are first in the FBS in scoring defense with 11.4 points allowed per game. A lot of that has to do with the play of Anderson.

The senior linebacker leads the team in tackles for loss with 16.5.  He is second on the team with 7.5 sacks and has three forced fumbles along with three pass breakups.

In the Crimson Tide’s 24-7 victory over the Washington Huskies in the Peach Bowl, Anderson didn’t have many tackles. However, his 26-yard interception return for a touchdown in the second quarter put some much-needed distance on the scoreboard at 17-7 before halftime.

With so many other stars on the the defense, Anderson sometimes get overlooked, but expect him to shine bright in this game. As the Clemson Tigers boast one of the better offenses in the FBS, Anderson will be called up to stop both the run and pass.

Anderson is projected currently as a second round pick in the upcoming 2017 NFL Draft, but his performance in the National Championship could change things as well.

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