'I Gotta be Here!': Texans EDGE Will Anderson Jr. Thrilled To Play For DeMeco Ryans
HOUSTON — In the days leading up to the 2023 NFL Draft, former Alabama EDGE rusher Will Anderson Jr. had his mind set on one team - the Houston Texans.
He fell in love with the organization during his Top-30 visit. And the primary reason for Anderson's fondness was due to the possibility of playing under coach DeMeco Ryans.
Anderson has spoken highly of Ryans when reflecting on their initial meeting. And the reigning two-time SEC Defensive Player of the Year winner believes Ryans can help him reach new heights on an NFL level.
"Over the past few years, it did not matter whether it was high school or college, I always had a coach who shared the same mentality as me," Anderson said. "That is what I love, and that is what I need. When I got here and started talking to coach Ryans, I was like, 'I gotta be here.'"
Anderson described the idea of playing under Ryans as "special" during a recent interview with NFL Network. Ryans' objective to get the best version out of Anderson coincides with his vision to develop the on-field production of every player on his 53-man roster.
He expects Anderson to have a significant impact on Houston's defensive front. But despite being his top-rated defensive prospect, Ryans said Anderson does not have to place the burden of becoming the "staple" of the Texans' defense ahead of his rookie campaign.
Ryans fell in love with Anderson from the first moment they met due to his competitiveness, energy and passion. He revealed that the objective is to have Anderson play defensive end while attacking upfield.
"He just has to come in and be the best Will Anderson possible," Ryans said. "He doesn't have to do anything more than that. The best version of himself is going to be good enough for our team."
"I've watched him for a long time now. When Alabama needed a play on defense, it was 31 [Anderson] stepping up and making the play."
Ryans, alongside quarterback C.J. Stroud, credited general manager Nick Caserio for orchestrating the deal that brought the two respective parties together.
Houston drafted Anderson with the No. 3 pick following a trade with the Arizona Cardinals. The Texans sent their No. 12 pick, No. 33 pick, a first-rounder and a third-round pick in 2024 to trade up for Anderson.
"Once we were able to seal the deal and get Will, I was over the moon," Ryans said. "I could not have been happier."
You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24
Want the latest in breaking and insider news for the Houston Texans? Click Here
Follow Texans Daily on Twitter and Facebook
Make sure to subscribe to our daily podcast @LockedOnTexans today! Click here To Listen.
Want even more Houston Texans news? Check out the SI.com team page here.
