Ryan Anderson is undervalued no longer

For two seasons, he’s stayed in the shadows, often overlooked for flashier players, but look closely at the numbers and he compares with anyone on the defense.

Ryan Anderson has never been flashy, but he’s been remarkably consistent for the last two seasons, and if you do your homework you’ll realize his statistics stack up with any defender on the team over the last two seasons.

Tim Williams is usually the player most national observers name when they talk about Alabama’s outside linebackers. But Anderson is actually the better overall player, able to play the run and rush the passer. He can set the edge on one play and power around an offensive tackle to hit the quarterback the next.

Over the last 24 games, Anderson has 11.5 sacks, 24 tackles for loss, 72 tackles and 15 quarterback hurries. This season he’s forced three fumbles.

For his effort against LSU, one that included six tackles, one sack, one pass breakup and one quarterback hurry, he was named SEC Defensive Player of the Week. His hit on Danny Etling resulted in the Alabama’s only forced turnover against LSU when the disrupted pass fell into the arms of Minkah Fitzpatrick.

Anderson, who is the cousin of former UA standout Wallace Gilberry, is finally starting to get the attention he deserves.

“I don’t care (about being overlooked) as long as I get to play every week,” Anderson said. “But it felt good (being recognized with the conference honor). That’s something that I’ve always wanted to accomplish.”

Alabama’s had no trouble getting to the quarterback this season, as it didn’t a season ago. The Crimson Tide leads the nation in sacks with 37 (it had 52 in 2015). That’s why Anderson’s ability to be a complete player, playing the run as well as he rushes the passer, makes him standout among the outside linebackers.

Anderson has served as good example in that regard for Williams, who has recently showed an improved effort against the run.

Anderson, known as the guy in the locker room who keeps things loose, has been one it’s best leaders, too.

“Ryan has always been a really good player for us,” UA coach Nick Saban said. “He's recognized by the SEC as player of the week this week. First of all, he's a good leader. He's a smart player. He really plays his position well, whether we're playing regular or his role in nickel. He understands the pass coverage part of what we have to do. For an outside backer it's really critical to have some guys that can do that.

"His leadership, his pass rush ability, his ability to run. He's just a very, very good all around football player that has done a fantastic job for us."

Reach Aaron Suttles at aaron@tidesports.com or at 205-722-0229.