Alabama Linebacker Eryk Anders Has Big Shoes to Fill

"Eryk who?" was a common phrase among many Alabama football fans at the start of this season. The senior linebacker who had managed to work his way into a starting spot on one of the best defenses in the country is still relatively unknown outside of dedicated fan circles. With the likes of Rolando McClain and Don't'a Hightower earning most of the linebacker's press attention last season, this unheralded senior is looking to make an impact as more of an overall contributor in 2009; so far he has not disappointed.

Eryk Anders may have been the single most overlooked and underrated high school prospect in 2004. As a senior at Smithson Valley HS (outside of San Antonio TX), Anders raised few eyebrows with his not-so-stellar 1 star rating by Scout.com. Talk about a finding a diamond in the rough though; Anders has managed to find his niche as a top shelf pass rusher for the Tide and has made his name known to opposing offensive coordinators in 2009.

Before coming to Alabama, Anders was probably best known as the cousin of former Kansas City Chief Kimble Anders, a three-time Pro Bowl selection at fullback. He is quickly leaving that label behind as he continues to make a name for himself in Tuscaloosa. Anders saw action in all fourteen games in 2008, posting a solid stat line that included 2.5 sacks, 4.5 tackles for a loss and 2 forced fumbles; great numbers considering he was primarily used as a pass rusher on third downs.

Now, well into his second season as a game day contributor, Anders has found himself listed as a starter three times and has already surpassed his tackles-for-loss numbers from 2008 (he currently has 5.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks only five games into the season). With the injury to fellow linebacker and dominate pass rusher Don't'a Hightower, look for Anders and the rest of the linebacker corps to step up their game in order to fill the enormous shoes left open by their injured teammate.

While few analysts are predicting an NFL future for Anders, his stock in continuously rising as the season progresses; NFLDraftScout.com currently rates him as the 41st best player at his position. At 6'2" and 235 pounds, he certainly has sufficient size to play in a 3-4 defensive scheme in the NFL, but his lack of experience as a starter has set him back among draft predictors. While the odds of Anders landing a job as a professional football player may be stacked against him right now, its still a feasible accomplishment if he can continue to produce good numbers against some of the better offensive lines.

As exciting of a prospect as it may be, I am sure that the NFL is the last thing on his (or any other Alabama player's) mind right now. You can bet Nick Saban is keeping them focused on the job at hand; keeping up their undefeated record during a season loaded with upsets.

"Eryk Anders" Scout.com
"Top Draft 2010 Prospects" NFLDraftScout.com