Christian Harris was there for the Will Anderson origin story at Alabama.
The former Baton Rouge U-High linebacker had completed his first season with the Crimson Tide, starting 12 of 13 games despite never having played the position. Harris earned a spot on the All-Southeastern Conference freshman team.
Alabama recruited Anderson from Hampton Dutchdown in Georgia, and the freshman outside linebacker showcased his potential with 7.0 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss en route to winning the College Football Playoff national championship.
“I really noticed this since day one at Alabama,” Harris told reporters June 13 at Houston Texans mandatory minicamp. “He is just a dog and he cares. I think we have those similarities.”
The Crimson Tide weren’t able to run it back in their title defense as Georgia wrested control in the 2021 national final. Nevertheless Harris was a key part with 80 combined tackles, 5.5 sacks, 11.5 tackles for loss, three pass breakups, and two forced fumbles through 15 games. The Texans took Harris in Round 3 of the 2022 NFL draft.
“I think it can take you a long way,” said Harris. “I mean, that’s really all I got for that.”
Anderson’s 2021 campaign was his best statistically as he collected 17.5 sacks, 31 tackles for loss, 101 combined tackles, and three pass breakups. However, Anderson’s reputation as a disruptor on the edge carried him through the 2022 season and the pre-draft process.
Houston couldn’t pass up Anderson at No. 3 overall.
With Harris and Anderson reunited on Kirby Drive, the Texans are anticipating the dog to come out in both of them.
