A Look At New Saints Linebacker Justin Anderson
In a report by WWL 870 AM’s Kristin Garic the New Orleans Saints have signed former University of Louisiana-Lafayette linebacker Justin Anderson, after receiving an invite to be added to the roster per his agent.
After suffering a broken leg in the spring of 2009 he was redshirted and was moved to defensive end for the Ragin Cajuns in 2010 where he had 21 tackles, 3.5 tackles for a loss and one sack.
His 2011 year saw a dip where he only had 13 tackles and one tackle for a loss but was moved to inside linebacker following that.
Dec 21, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns players celebrate with the R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl trophy after they defeated the Tulane Green Wave, 24-21, at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Anderson’s 2012 junior year jumped off the charts and he started all 13 games registering 105 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for a loss, one forced fumble, two sacks, and one interception that was returned 38 yards for a touchdown.
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The team awarded Anderson their team linebacker award for his efforts during this breakout year but he wasn’t finished yet.
During his 2013 senior year he had a career high 131 total tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, three forced fumbles, half a sack, and one interception returned 58 yards for a touchdown.
Following that, Anderson impressed enough that he was added to the 2013 Senior Bowl roster to perform in front of scouts.
At his Pro Day he ran a 4.68 40-yard dash, 37 inch vertical, 121 inch broad jump, and 24 reps on bench press.
He went undrafted following the 2014 NFL Draft and ended up on the practice squad of the New York Giants.
Aug 25, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; New Orleans Saints tackle Charles Brown (71) sets up against the Houston Texans during the first half at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports
In Week 11 and 12 he was activated to the Giants roster after the club waived former Saints offensive lineman Charles Brown.
After that brief stint, Anderson was with the Minnesota Vikings on their practice squad but was waived in the offseason.
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The Saints brought Anderson in recently after an invite to their rookie mini-camp but decided not to sign him and most recently was with the Dallas Cowboys.
NOLA.com’s Evan Woodbery reported during practice that Anderson could be seen talking with assistant linebackers coach Jamie Willis who also coached him at ULL.
Anderson’s agent Martin Fischman of Fischman and Wiltz Sports confirmed the signing on his Twitter account:
The Saints have been missing the services of linebacker Ronald Powell and have been hit with injuries to two others, Dannell Ellerbe and Ramon Humber, during the preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens……
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