TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — He was miserable.
University of Alabama linebacker Ryan Anderson had been considered a prize recruit, either a 5- or 4-star prospect depending on which ranking service you went by.
A cousin of former Crimson Tide defensive lineman Wallace Gilberry grew up down the street from running back T.J. Yeldon and helped Daphne High School win a state championship. He appeared destined for greatness at Alabama.
Yet Anderson sat and redshirted the 2012 season. He wondered if he had made a mistake.
"My first year I wanted to leave," Anderson admitted. "I called my mom every day talking about it.