Alabama Crimson Tide QB Bryce Young Surprised Teammate Will Anderson Didn’t Make Heisman Trophy Finals

Count Alabama four defenders and favorite Heisman Trophy Bryce Young Among those surprised were teammates Will Anderson Jr. was not among the four finalists for the award.

“I definitely think he deserves it,” Young told reporters Tuesday. “If you look at the numbers, you look at the production, I definitely think he deserves to be there. It’s a pity he won’t be there.”

In addition to Anderson’s 92 tackles, he leads the nation in saves (32.5) and covers (15.5). On Monday, he won the Nagurski Award, given to the best defensive player in college football.

Michigan line of defense Aidan Hutchinson, who was among the four Heisman finalists named Monday, has 55 tackles, 15 loss tackles and 13.5 tackles.

Anderson called Hutchinson a “devil player” and congratulated him on being considered for the award. He also reiterated that his focus is on winning the national championship.

Besides, Anderson said, “Bryce was there. We went straight.”

“I have nothing to prove to anyone,” Anderson said. “That’s all I do. No one has higher expectations for me. … I’ll continue to do what I’ve been doing throughout this season.”

Alabama wide receiver Jameson Williams also said he would like to see his teammates more considered by Heisman.

“I think he deserves a spot in New York,” Williams said. “Will has had one of the best seasons I’ve ever seen a defensive player have.”

The last defensive player to win the Heisman Trophy was in 1997, when Michigan full-back Charles Woodson, who also took the penalty kick and spent time on the receiving team, took home the award.

Ohio StateChase Young was the last defensive player to reach the 2019 Heisman Finals, having made 46 tackles, 21 missed tackles and 16.5 tackles.

Aside from Young and Hutchinson, Heisman’s other contenders this season are Pitt midfielder Kenny Pickett and Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud.

Young is the favorite bookmaker at -4000 at Caesars Sportsbook, followed by Hutchinson at 20-1. Stroud and Pickett 30-1 each.

Young, a sophomore, is vying to become the first Alabama defender to win against Heisman after scoring 46 touchdowns this season (three rushes) with just four interceptions.

The opportunity to do that, Young says, is “something I don’t take for granted.”

“Even having the opportunity to achieve something like this, I’m really grateful to be in a position like mine.”