Alabama football LB Will Anderson picks up yet another national award
Alabama linebacker Will Anderson took home his third national award this week on Thursday, being named the Chuck Bednarik Award winner on ESPN's Home Depot College Football Awards Show.
Other finalists for the Bednarik were USC's Tuli Tuipulotu and Cincinnati's Ivan Pace Jr.
"My run fits were a little better, using my hands, and my coverage skills," Anderson told ESPN of the improvements he made as a junior. "That's one thing me and Coach Saban had talked about a lot, just being more versatile in coverage."
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The Bednarik Award, named for Pro Football Hall of Famer Chuck Bednarik, was established in 1995 and is presented to the nation's best defensive player, as judged by the Maxwell Football Club of Philadelphia. Bednarik was a three-time All-American at the University of Pennsylvania from 1946-48. Former Alabama players who have won the Bednarik Award include Jonathan Allen and Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Anderson also said he has yet to decide whether to participate in Alabama's Sugar Bowl game against Kansas State on Dec. 31. Earlier this week, Anderson won the Bronko Nagurski Award, also presented to the nation's top defensive player, and the Lombardi Award for the nation's top lineman.
Anderson led the FBS with 45 quarterback pressures this season despite consistent double-teaming that often made it difficult for the Crimson Tide's top defensive player to get to the quarterback. Still, he amassed 10 sacks and 17 tackles for loss during the regular season, ranking among the nation's top 10 in both categories.
The pass-rushing outside linebacker is among the top prospects for the 2023 NFL Draft, although he has yet to announce whether he will declare early eligibility. ESPN's Mel Kiper ranks him the No. 2 player who could be available.
Reach Chase Goodbread at cgoodbread@gannett.com. Follow on Twitter @chasegoodbread.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama football LB Will Anderson wins Bednarik Award for best defender
