Interview: Starting 2024 Alabama OL William Sanders has All the Developing D-I Attributes
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
A great foundation was laid for William Sanders during the 2020 Alabama high school football season, what happens from here is up to him. The freshman showed no fear and no drop off in moving 6A Alabama defenders three to four years his senior around the field. The coaches at Brookwood High School lined up their 6-3, 250-pound, rising star at left tackle watching him manhandle the opposition in a ground-and-pound attack. A tweak in scheme for the 2021 season will have Sanders moving to right guard, and college coaches will get to further see his overall athleticism as he doubles at end on defense.
In an RNG exclusive, Sanders takes us onto the Panthers practice field for an update on his developing skills with a look at his summer camp schedule.
Interview
Will, getting that field action as a freshman with Brookwood, how long did it take for you to fully adapt to the speed and strength of the game during the season?
During the season, I think it was a couple of games. Playing at the high school level was a lot different.
The Panthers did a lot of grounding and pounding on 6A Alabama defenses. What was the offensive philosophy of that unit?
We did better running the ball. We went heavy to a certain side, with some outside runs but we ran better inside.
You move so well for a big man with you able to down block and get out in space on sweeps. How have you developed your footwork through the years?
Honestly, realizing I had to keep up with the running backs and get their quick. My dad found a trainer. I got with him and kept working. I played basketball and wrestled growing up.
Those skills from basketball and wrestling are coming through. What offensive set will you guys run in 2021?
We are changing. I can’t tell you exactly yet, but our philosophy will be RPO (run-pass option based).
Will you be doing anything differently during your sophomore campaign?
I am a right guard on offense and an end on defense.
Are you excited about playing defense this season?
Yes, sir. I skipped a year on defense last year, but now they have put me back. I am excited to get back on that side of the ball.
Are they moving you to right guard for a bigger interior presence?
Yes, we are pulling. The bigger quicker guys got moved to guard.
With your pass-pro, what are you working on this spring?
Mainly I am working on my hands. I am not too worried about my feet, but I do need to plant my feet better and keep working on moving them. I need to work on my hands and not drop them as much. This offseason is all technique work.
Going into the weight room, what are some of the lifts you are doing to increase your overall strength?
Bench, squat, deadlift, and power cleans are the main ones I hit. I also do shrugs and work on my calves for explosion.
Did Brookwood go through spring practices?
Yes, sir.
How did it go and how did the team look in spring ball?
It went very well. As a team, we are coming together and bonding. Tuesday was our last day until the summer. We had a great time bonding and learning each other.
Where did you see the biggest areas of personal growth this spring?
We focused on learning the new offense; we didn’t spend time in pads. The changes I saw, was us coming together as a brotherhood, more like a family.
Understood. Have you been to any camps yet this offseason or have any coming up you may attend?
I have been to one camp, a camp/showcase. I have a college camp on June 8 in Georgia, a UCF camp, one coming up at UAB, and I will possibly be at an Alabama camp too. There are some college camps lined up in Tennessee as well. I also plan on going to the 2021 Brian Bohannon Who’s Hungry Camp.
Will, thanks for your time today. Wishing you the best of luck at the camps this summer.
Yes, sir. Thank you.
Photo credit: Sanders family; William Sanders