ALABAMA FOOTBALL: Anders among most improved of Tide seniors

TUSCALOOSA — In an Alabama senior class full of overachievers, one name kept coming up when classmates were asked who they thought was the Most Improved Player over the last four or five years.

It’s not like this group lacked candidates. Three years ago, cornerbacks Javier Arenas and Marquis Johnson, linebacker Cory Reamer, right tackle Drew Davis, placekicker Leigh Tiffin and punter P.J. Fitzgerald were all considered longshots to help coach Nick Saban change the direction of the program.

But that’s precisely why Saban considers this a special group.

“They’ve all done a really good job,” the coach said. “This has been a very good group.”

As they prepare for their final home game at Bryant-Denny Stadium this Saturday against Chattanooga, seniors kept bringing up jack linebacker Eryk Anders.

“When he came in, he came as a defensive tackle, then he had to learn a position at linebacker,” senior defensive back Chris Rogers said. “He had speed. He ends up starting right now. Great pass rusher. Gives everything he’s got.”

Arenas, too, gives the most improved tag to Anders.

“The reason I’d give it to Eryk is the adversity he had to go through to get in the position he’s in right now,” the cornerback said.

Anders, in fact, never stopped being a surprise. The 6-foot-2, 235-pounder from San Antonio has overcome adversity throughout his Alabama career.

He was one of the last people offered a scholarship in 2005. That scholarship opened up only after academic casualties hit the team following the 2004-05 school year.

Anders had planned to walk on at Ole Miss until then-coach Mike Shula called with a scholarship offer — in June.

He was a 197-pound defensive tackle who had a 1-star rating and a 5-star heart.

He was redshirted and played special teams in 2006. He didn’t climb the depth chart when Saban arrived in 2007, either.

In fact, Anders told John Whisler of the Express-News in San Antonio that he had decided to transfer after the 2007 season.

He told his father, Gayle, of his intent after the Independence Bowl victory over Colorado. They talked in Gayle’s hotel room in Shreveport, La. The father pointed out how far he had come and encouraged his son to stick it out and earn his degree.

It was their last conversation. Gayle Anders, 65, died in his sleep from an apparent heart attack that night.

Anders returned to Alabama determined to make a contribution. He carved a niche for himself at the jack linebacker in Saban’s 3-4 defense.

“I really feel like it’s almost custom-built for a person like me, who can rush a passer and drop back and cover,” Anders said.

His size, however, kept him behind Brandon Fanney for most of last season. He did make an impact as a third-down pass rusher, however.

When Fanney left the team, Anders stepped in as an undersized and overlooked starter.

“I think I’ve made improvement in every part of my game since I’ve been here, especially during this last spring,” Anders said. “I rededicated myself and now I’m playing pretty well. Like I said, just working hard and trying to get better every day.”

His knowledge of the defense got him on the field, but his playmaking ability kept him there.

He credits outside linebackers coach Sal Sunseri for part of his development.

“He just demands that I do everything perfect,” Anders said. “He doesn’t take it easy on my because I’m a senior or a starter. He treats me like he treats the freshmen and kids who are redshirting.”

The results are evident. Anders is fourth on the team with 48 tackles. He’s tied for second with four sacks, has one interception, one pass breakup and a forced fumble. He leads the team with 11 quarterback hurries.

“I just keep my hands alive and keep my feet alive,” Anders said. “If the DBs are covering, that gives me more time to get there. I just stay moving. They can’t block you forever. Eventually you’re going to get back there.”

That non-stop motor has served him well on and off the field. He’s earned a degree in health studies and is working on a second degree.

And his teammates don’t just respect his game, they respect his work ethic.

“Honestly, from the get-go, he was never in the picture to be a starter,” Arenas said. “He just burst out. And now he’s one of the best out there — that’s hands down.”

Told that his name kept coming up as a most improved candidate, Anders appreciated their words.

“It makes me feel good (knowing) through all the hard work and the choices I’ve made that I can be where where I’m at today,” he said. “It’s quite a compliment, in my opinion.”