5. Bryce Anderson | Safety/Nickel | Projected Rating: 88
The man wearing #1 on the defense is one of my top candidates to have a breakout year under Mike Elko. While he had a quiet year in 2023 under Durkin, apart from one interception against Alabama that seemed to almost turn the Tide (if you will), his prowess garnered some buzz back in his freshman year, especially against Miami.
I recall specifically a graphic going around about how well Anderson had defended the run against the Hurricanes and all season. Even though he had a quieter sophomore campaign, as I mentioned, he is very clearly a fast, instinctive defender who isn't afraid to play and tackle physically.
The other thing helping Anderson here is his lofty recruit rating and the memorable battle for his signature that took place. Committed at first to LSU, flirting for a while with the Longhorns, and then finally signing with the Aggies as a premier member of the greatest recruiting class of all time is quite the saga. Even if those making the game aren't familiar with all that, a look back at his recruiting profile should make his innate physical talents clear.