Will Anderson Named CBS 2022 Preseason Player of the Year

Tuscaloosa, AL -- CBS sports released their list of preseason All-Americans and six University of Alabama football players found their names on it. However, only one of them could be awarded the title of preseason player of the year, and that honor was given to Will Anderson Jr.

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Anderson was voted unanimously to the list along with only two other players, Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Texas running back Bijan Robinson. All three of them are expected to be first round draft picks following this season.

The most notable name that Anderson beat out to be named as the preseason player of the year is his teammate Bryce Young who brought home the Heisman trophy last season and is poised to do so again. Both players are listed on the preseason watch list for this season's Heisman watch list.

Anderson's impact on the defensive side of the football gives many fans reason to believe that he could be the first defensive player to win the elusive Heisman trophy that has not been one by someone on that side of the ball since Charles Woodson beat out Peyton Manning to win it in 1997. He is currently the only player to win the award that was listed primarily as a defensive player.

Anderson finished fifth in Heisman voting last season, but if he looks to win the award this season he will have to put forth an effort that rivals some of the best ever seen in the history of college football. However, if anyone is going to do so, it will be Anderson.

Four other players were listed on the preseason All-American from Alabama alongside Anderson and Young. Jordan Battle joined both of them on the first team, and Emil Ekiyor, Eli Ricks and Jahmyr Gibbs were listed on the second team.