Saturday Blitz
Fansided

College Football’s dark horse Heisman Trophy candidates in 2022

By Isaac Blandford

John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
Nov 6, 2021; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Will Anderson Jr. (31) reacts after a stop against the LSU Tigers during the first half at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2021; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Will Anderson Jr. (31) reacts after a stop against the LSU Tigers during the first half at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports /

LB – Will Anderson, Alabama

While there have not been many guys who have won the Heisman outside of the quarterback position since 2000, Will Anderson is a player to watch out for. Anderson finished last season 5th in the Heisman voting and had more first-place votes than C.J. Stroud who finished 4th, and Kenny Pickett, who finished 3rd.

Alabama has produced the last three non-quarterback winners, and while 2021 Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young is still on the Tide’s roster, and is the favorite to win the Heisman again, Anderson’s skill makes him a dark horse contender.

In his sophomore season, Anderson put up an incredible 17.5 sacks, 31tackles for a loss, and 101 total tackles. A big reason for Anderson’s recognition and consideration for the Heisman last season was Alabama’s ability to stop the run, holding teams to 82.8 yards per game on the ground.

Will Anderson proved last season that he can produce at a high level, and he is only going to get better this off-season heading into the 2022 season. If this Alabama team can go to the College Football Playoff and have a top 5 defense in college football, Anderson will produce/get a lot of credit for the team’s success on that side of the ball.

Home/College Football News