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Anchors aweigh
By JOHN HARRIS
Youngstown
One of the first things that Cardinal Mooney two-way senior standout Ray Anderson did after last week’s 31-14 loss to Canisius (N.Y.) was to point a finger at himself.
“Last week, we had some struggles,” said Anderson, who recorded eight tackles and two sacks on defense and rushed for 50 yards on offense. “Guys were stepping up in certain spots and some guys let the team down.
“I know I didn’t play my best. I take pride in being captain of the defense. I try to set the example for the younger guys. I owe them a big apology. I’ll play a lot better this week.”
Mooney (4-2) visits undefeated Warren Harding (7-0) on Friday night.
Anderson’s willingness to lead and accept responsibility should serve him well when he enters the Naval Academy next year.
A two-way performer who shares carries at running back with fellow senior Jaylen Hewlett, starts at linebacker and also plays on special teams, Anderson’s high-end talent, versatility and physicality made him especially appealing to college football recruiters.
After much hand-wringing and deep thinking with his family, Anderson settled on Navy, No. 25 in the Associated Press poll after defeating No. 6 Houston 46-40.
It was a decision made by the 6-foot-1, 220-pound Anderson to not only play big-time college football at one of the nation’s prestigious service academies, but also — and more importantly — to prepare him for life after football.
“I really liked what their coaches were telling me about the brotherhood,” said Anderson, who announced his commitment to Navy on his official Twitter account last month. “When you go there, it’s something different than going to school or going there to play football.
“It’s more about a 40-year commitment than a four-year commitment. My future means a lot to me.”
Anderson thought long and hard before selecting Navy over Youngstown State, Army, Bucknell, Eastern Kentucky and Eastern Michigan.
“My parents and my grandparents were a big help,” Anderson said. “They’ve been through the service life and gave me different options.
“My Mom didn’t want me to go away to college, but she understood that Navy would be best for me. Once she was OK with it, I was OK with it.”
Mooney head coach P.J. Fecko emphasized that Anderson is up to the lofty challenges presented at Navy.
“Most people visualize Ray on the athletic field, but when you talk about any of the service academies, the education you’re going to receive is through the roof,” Fecko said. “Obviously, his grades are tremendous or he wouldn’t be getting into the Naval Academy.
“They take high quality individuals that excel not only in the classroom, but you have to excel socially and show great leadership And then, obviously, athletically in Ray’s case.”
According to Mooney defensive coordinator Chris Amill Sr., Anderson should hold his own as a pass rusher in college.
“The big thing at the next level for Ray is just his football smarts,” Amill said. “For us, he played all three linebacker positions.
“He actually started at free safety as a sophomore. He can play everywhere because he’s so athletic. Him being athletic and understanding the game and knowing different positions and responsibilities, that’s really going to help him excel.”
Said Anderson: “They know I play linebacker here, but they like me coming off the edge. I’m going to be playing an outside linebacker-edge rusher type of thing.”