Awards and Honors:
2025 Associated Press Honorable Mention FCS All-America (DB)
2024: Started all nine games he appeared in at cornerback… Had a pass breakup at Louisville (Aug. 31) in his Austin Peay debut… Began a streak of four-straight games with an interception – the longest in Autin Peay’s digital record-keeping era – against Southern Illinois (Sept. 7), while also recording three tackles, a tackle for loss, and a pass breakup against the Salukis… Had a season-high 2.0 tackles for loss and an interception at Central Arkasnas (Sept. 14)… Returned an interception eight yards during a two-tackle performance against Alabama A&M (Sept. 21)… Final interception of his four-game stretch came against Southern Utah (Sept. 28)… Had five tackles, including four solo stops, at West Georgia (Oct. 5)… Had a season-best six tackles, including four solo stops, at North Alabama (Nov. 2)… Led the Governors and was tied for the UAC lead with four interceptions... Finished the season with 24 tackles, 18 solo tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, and two pass breakups.
Prior to Austin Peay: Played four seasons at Cincinnati (2020-23) where he redshirted during his true freshman season. 2023: Started the season opener against Eastern Kentucky (Sept. 2) before missing the remainder of the season due to injury. 2022: Played in all 13 games for the Bearcats as a redshirt sophomore… Recorded one tackle against both Kennesaw State (Sept. 10) and Indiana (Sept. 24)… Added two tackles at Tulsa (Oct. 1)… Posted career highs with four tackles, two tackles for loss, and a forced fumble against South Florida (Oct. 8)… Made two tackles at UCF (Oct. 29)… Picked up a tackle and a pass breakup against East Carolina (Nov. 11)… Totaled three tackles against Tulane (Nov. 25)… Matched his career high with four tackles and a half tackle for loss against Louisville (Dec. 17) in the 2022 Wasabi Fenway Bowl… Finished the season with 19 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, a forced fumble, and a pass breakup. 2021: Played in three games as a redshirt freshman… Recorded a tackle for loss against Murray State (Sept. 11) 2020: Played in two games as a true freshman… Made his collegiate debut against Memphis (Oct. 31) and saw action against Houston (Nov. 7).
High School: Played defensive back and wide receiver for head coach Jeff Graham at Trotwood-Madison High School… Helped the Rams win the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) Division III State Championship as a senior in 2019 with a game-winning overtime touchdown catch, before intercepting the final pass on defense to secure a 14-7 victory… Finished his senior season with 22 receptions for 488 yards and 10 touchdowns in addition to a pair of interceptions, including a pick-six, and two punt return touchdowns… Was named the 2019 Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association (OPSA) Southwest District Division III Player of the Year and an OPSA All-Ohio First Team Defense selection at defensive back… Also helped the Rams win the 2017 OHSAA Division III State Championship… Rated a four-star prospect by 247Sports.com… Also played basketball for the Rams, winning the 2018-19 OHSAA Division II State Championship after finishing as the runner-up during the 2017-18 season.
Personal: Sammy James Anderson Jr. is the son of Keri Groce… Birthday is June 9… A general studies major with a survey of health concentration.
