Houston Texans' Will Anderson Jr. 'Very Excited' to Play Against Carolina Panthers' Bryce Young

Houston Texans edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. is looking forward to hitting college teammate/Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young.

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young and Houston Texans edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. are less than a year removed from being teammates at the University of Alabama.

The two of them shattered records and ruled the college football world in their final two years with the Crimson Tide, and were selected with the No. 1 and No. 3 picks of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Anderson opened up about his relationship with the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner, stating they have a great friendship, but "not this week though."

"It's going to be really fun and a great challenge for us," Anderson told KPRC2's Aaron Wilson on Thursday. "He does a lot of great things in the pocket and we have to be really good at assaulting and condensing that area. He's a phenomenal player and I'm very excited to play against him."

Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young (9) celebrates with linebacker Will Anderson Jr. (31) / © Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

During practices in Tuscaloosa, Ala., the two-time Bronko Nagurski Award winner (most outstanding college football defensive player) obviously wasn't allowed to use his threatening "speed and power" on Young. However, there are no rules come Sunday.

"I get a chance to hit Bryce Young," the Texans' quarterback hits leader (8) laughed.

The 22-year-old obviously watched his former quarterback's film (on the Panthers) with the rest of his team, but he already knows what to expect from Young after seeing thousands of his drop-backs.

"What we've seen on tape is what I've seen all along," Anderson said. "Playing with him and knowing how he operates in the pocket, the coaches now see the type of quarterback he is."