Interview: 4-Star 2022 Florida DE/OLB Dante Anderson Updates Recruiting and Visits
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The antithesis to any good modern day Spread offense is an end/outside linebacker who can rush the passer, keep containment, and drop back into coverage. The evolution of the position needing do-all physical requirements is being met by players like Class of 2022 talent Dante Anderson. Anderson now has two seasons of Florida varsity football under his belt with Miami Southridge going against some of the top players the Sunshine State has to offer. His complete season stats have not been released yet, but the 6-3.5, 200-pound, defender has an estimated stat line of 45 stops, 20 solo, with 17 tackles for a loss, 11 sacks, and two forced fumbles. That work has brought nine scholarship offers to the four-star recruit thus far.
With offers on the table and visits being taken throughout the southeast, I sat down with Anderson covering his sophomore campaign with an update on his recruiting visits.
Interview
Dante, the Spartans took on a very tough schedule this season. Knowing you guys were going to take on all the top teams with top talent, how did you mentally prepare yourself for the 2019 grind in the offseason?
“I worked. As a team we worked hard wanting a great outcome.”
Of the teams played against, which game was your best and why?
My best game overall was against Hialeah. I had four sacks, a tackle for a loss, and a pass batted down in that game.”
That qualifies. What defensive sets were the Spartans running?
“It depended on the school we play, either a 4-3 or a 50-front.”
As an end, how were your overall skills being utilized within the defense?
“I stand-up and rush the passer, provide run support – all of that.”
What are some of the moves you use to get to the quarterback?
“Speed and a rip.”
How were teams trying to slow your impact on the game?
“They were using double-teams, using a running back picking me up and chipping me, and sometimes they run to the other side or throw quick to the other side.”
You got snaps in with the Spartans as a freshman, how did your game grow overall from one season to the next?
“My rushing the passer and my total tackles improved over last season.”
What are now the strengths to your overall game?
“The strengths to my game are rushing the passer, getting better at the run stop, and I can read offenses.”
College programs are responding to your play on the field. How many offers do you have now?
“Nine.”
Anderson’s Offer Sheet: FIU, Florida, Georgia Tech, Miami, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Southern Miss, and Western Kentucky
Have you visited any teams from the summer to now?
“Yes. I have taken unofficial visits to UM (Miami), FIU, Florida, Georgia Tech, and USF. The game day visits were to UM, Florida, USF, and Georgia Tech was after a camp.”
How did the Miami visit go?
“It was good. I was there for a game. I walked around the campus with the coaches.”
Getting to watch their defense live, what did you think about their scheme?
“I like their defense. They are good.”
And the Florida visit, how did that go?
“It went great. It was a great visit.”
What did you think of their defensive scheme?
“Their scheme is amazing. They are good. I loved it.”
Upcoming, do you have any planned visits on the schedule?
“Yes. I am planning on visiting Georgia Tech, probably FSU, and Georgia.”
Last two questions, back to football. Do you see your talents being used in different ways during the 2020 season?
“Yes. Some at outside linebacker too next season.”
With the offseason coming, what will you work on this offseason to prepare for your junior season?
“This offseason I will work on my run support, run stop, and getting bigger in the weight room.”
Dante, it was great spending time with you. I appreciate it. Good luck with the upcoming unofficial visits.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Anderson family; Dante Anderson at Florida and Miami