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Former Tide star Anderson named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year

Former Alabama Crimson Tide pass rusher Will Anderson Jr. has been named the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Anderson, who was selected by the Houston Texans as the No. 3 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, had 45 total tackles, seven sacks and 10 tackles for loss. His efforts set a Texans’ rookie record for sacks in a season.

Anderson is one of the best defensive players in Alabama history, ranking second in program history in sacks with 34.5 in just three years at Alabama trailing Derrick Thomas.

He was twice awarded the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, presented annually to the nation’s top defensive player.

Houston teammate and quarterback CJ Stroud, who was the No. 2 pick in the same draft class, was awarded with the Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Previously, the Pro Football Writers of America named Anderson’s coach, another former Alabama defensive star, DeMeco Ryans Coach of the Year.

Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP

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