Eryk Anders, Smithson Valley

[bamatude]

I am a Alabama fan.
We recently had a late addition to our 2005 signing class, Eryk Anders.
He is listed as a 2004 5A All-State DL. It has been hard finding out any info on him.
Why was he not more sought after, being a 2004 All-State player?
Anything you can pass along would be greatly appreciated.

Oh, by the way we realize, that if he made any Texas All-State team he is a real good player. We are very glad to get him.

[Xfballphenome05]

he wasnt known about to much bcuz he is relativly small for a defensive lineman,about 200 pounds or so,and most big schools consider that to small to be effective at his position.

[bamatude]

Thanks

[Texas Hammer]

All I have to say is I hope he's accepted well at Alabama. He has a white mother and a black father. He was a good player, but on the small side.

[The Great Evaluator]

He might make a good safety or special teams player. I thought he played well in the state championship game against Carroll - blocking a punt and recovering it for a touchdown...You can see it at:
http://www.insidehighschoolfootball.com

Bottom left of the page is a link to a recap of the state game. Obviously it's mostly Southlake stuff but there's a good shot of him making what was almost the play of the game - it gave Valley the lead late in the game but they couldn't hold it. I think Bama may have uncovered a hidden gem. Let's hope he makes it!

[Texasfrog]

I am a Alabama fan.
We recently had a late addition to our 2005 signing class, Eryk Anders.
He is listed as a 2004 5A All-State DL. It has been hard finding out any info on him.
Why was he not more sought after, being a 2004 All-State player?
Anything you can pass along would be greatly appreciated.

Oh, by the way we realize, that if he made any Texas All-State team he is a real good player. We are very glad to get him.

His a player. He played his heart out in the State title game against SLC and did very well. I was impressed by him and was wondering why he wasnt getting any solid D-1A offers. Like others are saying.. he might turnout to by a hidden gem for Bama. His got nice size (6-2/210) but has great wheels around (4.5). I think he'll make a great LB on the edge for Bama. :)

[LeanderLions3033]

All I have to say is I hope he's accepted well at Alabama. He has a white mother and a black father. He was a good player, but on the small side.

Me being an african american that visits alabama and mississippi quite frequently, i can tell you first hand that he will probably be accepted, but it will be a long proccess. My mother grew up in alabama and mississippi and attended alabama, and this was back in the 70's but it was rough to say the least. And i still have problems when i go there.

[lonny23]

Me being an african american that visits alabama and mississippi quite frequently, i can tell you first hand that he will probably be accepted, but it will be a long proccess. My mother grew up in alabama and mississippi and attended alabama, and this was back in the 70's but it was rough to say the least. And i still have problems when i go there.
Being black is one thing in the South, but being half is worse from what I can tell and have heard. Tuscaloosa shouldn't be as bad as some other cities and towns.

[bamatude]

Are "yall" just saying what you THINK it will be like for Eryk in Alabama, or what you know?
We have players from racially mixed parents on the roster now, and with NO problems. This is not the old south anymore.
I live in Pensacola, Fl. and have had many players who's parents have had mixed marriages over the years, and some with one parent, and some with no parents(living with grandparents). We all become a big family in the deep south when it comes to football, no matter what color.
I understand your concern, but Eryk will be fine in Alabama, and as far as being accepted by the team, he will be 100%. We have a coach with high standards, and character; Coach Mike Shula.

[Texasfrog]

Are "yall" just saying what you THINK it will be like for Eryk in Alabama, or what you know?
We have players from racially mixed parents on the roster now, and with NO problems. This is not the old south anymore.
I live in Pensacola, Fl. and have had many players who's parents have had mixed marriages over the years, and some with one parent, and some with no parents(living with grandparents). We all become a big family in the deep south when it comes to football, no matter what color.
I understand your concern, but Eryk will be fine in Alabama, and as far as being accepted by the team, he will be 100%. We have a coach with high standards, and character; Coach Mike Shula.

I agree 100%. I have a very close friend that is a OC at a Alabama HS. There have been a few Texas (African American) kids the last few years go to BAMA and do very well.

LB- Derek Pope (Galveston Ball) now with Miami Dolphins.
RB- Shaud Williams (Andrews, Tx) now with Buffalo Bills
DB- Charles Pephrah (Plano, Tx)

Plus, this season the "C" JB Closner (San Antonio) is getting alot of Pre-SEC recognition.

Eryk Anders will do fine in Bama. There is some very good people there.

[JC73]

Bama is very fortunate. Anders is a great player who was overlooked becaused of his size (if one considers 6'2'' 210 small). Race is not an issue. Size is not an issue. The guy can flat out play. Awesome stats, great player. We will be seeing him play on Saturday afternoons pretty soon.

[lonny23]

Are "yall" just saying what you THINK it will be like for Eryk in Alabama, or what you know?
We have players from racially mixed parents on the roster now, and with NO problems. This is not the old south anymore.
I live in Pensacola, Fl. and have had many players who's parents have had mixed marriages over the years, and some with one parent, and some with no parents(living with grandparents). We all become a big family in the deep south when it comes to football, no matter what color.
I understand your concern, but Eryk will be fine in Alabama, and as far as being accepted by the team, he will be 100%. We have a coach with high standards, and character; Coach Mike Shula.
I wasn't stating it as fact. I do know that it's still bad in Lousyanna and have never gotten an indication that Mississippi is much better. I wasn't worried about the team or University and was only talking about those outside the university. It shouldn't be a problem in Tuscaloosa, but I doubt other outlaying areas will be that great. Hopefully, I'm wrong. I haven't lived in Alabama for a long time and things are better, but I didn't know how much better.