Week Six's Overnight Sensation: Bryce Anderson, Defensive Back

Each Monday during the 2023 Texas A&M football season, we’ll identify a first or second-year Aggie player who delivered an exceptional performance over the weekend and earned the distinction of being the week’s ‘Overnight Sensation.’

Bryce “Ball Hawk” Anderson.

Texas A&M safety Bryce Anderson provided some defensive heroics that kept Texas A&M afloat in the Aggies’ 26-20 loss to Alabama on Saturday afternoon. 

An interception and fumble recovery were exactly the defensive plays needed to keep this one close, and both came from #1.

Anderson provided the opportunities. A&M failed to capitalize off of them.

As Alabama was driving downfield on their first possession of the second half, Anderson interrupted it. The safety’s timing was perfect as he crept up right in front of Roydell Williams to snag the first pick of his career. 

Anderson’s interception set up what seemed like it could be a productive offensive drive so the Aggies could build a two-score lead. However, Max Johnson’s interception two plays later wasted the turnover and tremendous effort by Anderson.

Jamie Maury, TexAgs

Anderson’s interception was the first of his career in Maroon & White.

Still, that interception wasn’t the only brilliant play by Anderson.

With Alabama up 24-17 in the fourth quarter, A&M needed to give the ball back to its offense, and that’s exactly what the Aggies did. Demani Richardson punched the ball out of Jermaine Burton’s hands, and Anderson fell on it.

Thanks to Richardson and Anderson, the Aggies had a golden opportunity at Alabama’s 29-yard line. Yet, A&M could not get the ball in the end zone and opted for a field goal, which was blocked.

Anderson was part of what should have been two game-changing takeaways that A&M’s offense should have taken advantage of. Instead, his valiant efforts were spoiled in the frustrating loss.

In addition to his pair of attention-grabbing plays, Anderson tallied three tackles, a quarterback hurry and did not give up a single long reception as Alabama had eight passes over 15 yards.

Although Anderson’s stat line hasn’t lit up all season, he has been a stable, reliable part of A&M’s secondary, and the sophomore has a lot more football to play.

Anderson’s stats vs. Alabama
Tackles: 3
Solo Tackles: 1
TFL: 0
Sacks: 0
Fumble Recoveries: 1

Anderson’s 2023 stats
Tackles: 21
Solo Tackles: 12
TFL: 3
Sacks: 0
Forced Fumbles: 1
Fumble Recoveries: 1