DeMeco Ryans To Move Will Anderson To Defensive End

Head coach DeMeco Ryans says former Alabama linebacker Will Anderson can adapt to what the Houston Texans defense needs.

Houston ranked last in rushing defense in 2022. No.3 overall pick Will Anderson had 34.5 sacks in 42 games for Alabama on the way to two consecutive SEC Defensive Player Of The Year awards. 

As a result, Ryans believes Will Anderson can handle the change from linebacker to defensive end. 

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“It’s not a huge position change for Will,” Ryans said. 

“Will will be an edge defender for us, and that’s what he did at Alabama. Mostly at Alabama he was standing up; we’ll have him down in a three-point stance. It’s not a big-time position change for him. We won’t have him playing over the guard like he did some there later in his career, so it’s not a huge position change for Will.”

Anderson says his Alabama experience and faith in Ryans provides a big ‘opportunity’ for him to develop. 

“Yeah, being at Alabama they kind of prepared us for a little bit of everything, hand in the dirt, you know, playing two-point stance, so just kind of made me versatile. I’m very excited,” Anderson said.

“However they want to use me, it’s just going to be anything I’ve kind of did at Alabama, so I’m super excited. But just to do anything they need for the team.”

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“God blessed me and I was fortunate enough to be in this program to share that with a coach who has the same mentality as me, the same grind, grit, and relentless mindset,” he said. 

“So it’s going to be easy for me grasp what he’s saying, what he’s trying to get across to the team. Like I said, I’m just super excited to be part of this. It’s a big blessing and opportunity.”