Tide's Will Anderson Jr. Named AP's SEC Defensive Player Of The Year

TUSCALOOSA, AL — University of Alabama linebacker Will Anderson Jr. capped off a strong season Monday when he was named the Associated Press Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Year.

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Anderson was one of nine Alabama football players to be named to the 2022 Associated Press All-Southeastern Conference Team and one of four to be awarded first team honors along with with offensive lineman Emil Ekiyor Jr., defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry and defensive lineman Byron Young.

In addition to his conference honors, Anderson is also a finalist for the coveted Bednarik Award, presented each year to the nation's most outstanding defensive player. The award will be presented as part of ESPN's Home Depot College Football Awards Show on Thursday, Dec. 8.

Six Alabama players earn second team honors, including reigning Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young. Young was joined on the second team by running back Jahmyr Gibbs, defensive back Jordan Battle, defensive back Brian Branch and kicker Will Reichard.

No. 5 Alabama is set to take on the No. 9 Kansas State Wildcats in the Allstate Sugar Bowl in New Orleans on New Year's Eve at 11 a.m. local time.

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