Albany State linebacker Caleb Anderson named SIAC Newcomer of the Week

Staff Reports

ALBANY — Caleb Anderson did not need a pile of tackles to leave his fingerprints all over Albany State’s Homecoming victory.

The junior linebacker made two plays that directly produced touchdowns in the Golden Rams’ 51-0 rout of Lane College, earning Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Newcomer of the Week honors.

Anderson, a Thomasville native and former Thomas County Central standout, blocked a punt in the end zone during Lane’s third possession. Albany State teammate Ryder Flynn recovered the ball for a touchdown, helping the Golden Rams build an early lead they never threatened to surrender.

Anderson struck again with 9:19 remaining in the second quarter. He sacked Lane quarterback Crishon Overton and knocked the ball loose, allowing Evan Wynn to scoop it up and race 64 yards for another Albany State touchdown.

By then, the Golden Rams’ defense and special teams had taken control of the afternoon.

Anderson finished with three tackles, including one for loss, a sack, a forced fumble and a blocked punt. He also helped prevent Lane from getting off another punt following a bad snap, with Joseph Hasan completing the play for a 13-yard loss and a turnover on downs.

The performance went well beyond Anderson’s individual statistics.

Albany State limited Lane to 89 yards of total offense and minus-19 rushing yards. The Dragons carried the ball 23 times without producing a positive net total, while the Golden Rams’ defense recorded a shutout and repeatedly supplied the offense with favorable field position.

The victory improved Albany State to 3-3 overall and 3-1 in SIAC play.

Anderson is in his first season with the Golden Rams after previously playing at the University of Pikeville. Through six games, he has recorded 10 tackles and forced two fumbles.

Before beginning his college career, Anderson played linebacker and running back at Thomas County Central. He was a member of the Yellow Jackets’ 2023 state championship team and received the program’s Breakout Player of the Year award following that season. 

At Albany State, Anderson has found a role on a defense that appears to be gaining strength as the Golden Rams move deeper into their conference schedule.

His impact against Lane came at exactly the right time—and in three different ways. He pressured the quarterback, disrupted the punting game and helped turn two defensive opportunities into 14 points.

Albany State returns to the road Saturday for an important SIAC game against Tuskegee. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. Central, 3 p.m. Eastern, at Abbott Memorial Alumni Stadium.