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Alabama's Anderson wins Nagurski Trophy as top defensive player

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Alabama linebacker Will Anderson won the Nagurski Trophy, given annually to the nation's most outstanding defensive player.

The 20-year-old took the award over Georgia's Jordan Davis and Oregon's Kayvon Thibodeaux. Anderson's the second Crimson Tide player to receive the honor, following Jonathan Allen in 2016.

Anderson emerged as a star for Alabama in 2021, posting 15.5 sacks to lead the FBS and racking up 31.5 tackles for loss - well ahead of Utah's Devin Lloyd, who ranked second in the nation with 22.

In perhaps the finest performance of his season, Anderson recorded four sacks against Mississippi State on Oct. 16 and was named the national player of the week for his efforts.

As a true sophomore, Anderson won't be eligible to enter the NFL draft until 2023.

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