Anderson Helps Cougars Tackle Transition

by Jeff Rusack, Reporter
November 19, 2012 7:12 PM


Two years ago Eric Anderson was doing everything he could to help his team make it to a national championship.. stopping the run helped his team get there in the semi finals.. but the Cougars fell short despite a pair of sacks by the then sophomore.  

Anderson's junior year brought little hope for what the Cougars would call a successful year after making the jump to division 2.   

Eric Anderson-USF Linebacker:"I'm not going to lie about that it's very tough you kind of come off of a national championship game and then you got to go the next game and you're only playing 9 games and that's all you have to look forward to.. those 9 games."

But his coach Jed Stugart felt that Anderson's leadership pushed the USF defense throughout the rest of the season.

Jed Stugart, USF Football Coach:"He was one of the first kids when I took the job here that we made eye contact and I knew I was going to like him because he's just a passionate kid."

Anderson is a local athlete that had to transition from playing with only 9 men on the field while at Irene Wakonda high school..  

Eric says:"It was a little different that first year with 2 extra guys and the formations you know i had on responsibilty in high school.. it was guard the running back and that's all i had to do.. So doing the pass drops al these blitzes and reading formations and stuff like that.. but its a good transition it's been fun."

But that transition is well behind him.. as he practices there's only one thing on his mind.. a chance at a title.  

Eric says:"we're pretty stoked."

Despite a 9-2 record this year.. that dream finished just short..

Jeff Rusack, KDLT Sports, Sioux Falls...