Texans Will Anderson Jr Has Found Mentor in Jonathan Greenard

Houston Texans rookie Will Anderson Jr. is using training camp to get accustomed to playing with his hands in the dirt, and Jonathan Greenard has stepped up as a veteran mentor.

HOUSTON — Rushing the passer was the top attribute that made Will Anderson Jr. a highly-sought after prospect for the Houston Texans entering the 2023 NFL Draft. In three seasons at Alabama playing under coach Nick Saban, Anderson recorded 205 tackles and 34.5 sacks in 114 career games.

The havoc he created in college came with him playing upright as an outside linebacker. But under coach DeMeco Ryans, Anderson has spent the first six days of training camp playing with his hands in the dirt.

Anderson said he has some experience playing in a three-point stance due to his high school days in Georgia. But to help make a successful transition on an NFL level, he is leaning upon the advice received from Jonathan Greenard.

"He’s helped me a lot, mentally and everything like that,” Anderson said. "Getting through everything — he’s a smart guy as well. Whatever I need, he’s always there for me, teaching me stuff, showing me what moves to do, how to do this move and everything like that. It’s been very fun to be a part of this with him."

Greenard had a similar experience early in his career in Houston. As a rookie prospect from Florida in 2020, Greenard began his career as a linebacker coming off the edge. But he switched to a defensive end playing with his hands in the dirt under former defensive coordinator Lovie Smith. 

The position change came ahead of his second season with the Texans. The results led to Greenard having his best career season, where he recorded 33 tackles and 8.0 sacks in 2021.  

In addition to Greenard, Anderson said he is also leaning on the advice of Jerry Hughes Jr. The 34-year-old Houston native is coming off a season where he led the Texans in sacks with 8.0.

"In high school, I was predominantly a defensive end — I didn’t play outside linebacker until I got to Alabama," Greenard said. "Putting my hand in the dirt wasn’t hard at all. I wanted to get back to that anyway. 

"I feel like that’s my baby, and I can have more fun doing that part, so it’s really been a big blessing just to be here and be a part of this system."

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