Fyffe RB Logan Anderson back to form after injury crushed his 2022 dreams

Logan Anderson was so close to accomplishing his dream at Fyffe last season.

The current junior rushed for more than 1,800 yards to lead Fyffe to the AHSAA Class 2A state semifinals that year, but it was that game that changed the course of his life. Fyffe won the game (and the next to once again be crowned state champs), but Anderson injured his knee and couldn't play in the final game, something that he dreamed about.

Anderson tore his ACL, partially tore his MCL and meniscus while damaging cartilage and suffering a bone contusion in his left knee during the semifinal matchup with Pisgah. He underwent surgery and extensive rehab over a six-month period, going three times a week. The extensive rehab was one reason that Anderson returned ahead of schedule, but it was something that Anderson initially underestimated.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK VOTING: Alabama high school football: Vote for Gadsden Times Athlete of the Week for Oct. 6

WEEK 7 PREVIEW: Alabama high school football: Predictions for Gadsden area Week 7 games

"It was one of the hardest things I have ever been through, mentally, emotionally, everything. I never thought it was that serious, I'd watch people get hurt, you don't really know how it feels until it happens to you," Anderson said. "It was a humbling experience, I would've never thought it was that serious. Man, it's crazy."

Anderson returned during the first week of the season, Fyffe's only loss, but he was able to reach the 100-yard mark in a grueling effort where he had to grind out multiple short runs. More recently, he has returned to the punishing style that earned him a nomination for the Class 2A Back of the Year. Fyffe looks to be back on track to make another deep run into the playoffs.

Anderson wanted to play in state championship game last season, not only to help his teammates bring home the sixth Fyffe state title since 2014, but it was an opportunity to match what his brother, Payton Anderson, did at Fyffe. Those goals are still possible and something that isn't Anderson's only goal but it's something that he feels would be nice to accomplish.

"It's tough watching all that from the sidelines, not being able to help your teammates out, getting to be out there," Anderson said. "My brother won the State MVP, which I don't really care about those things but to get one and maybe get another before I graduate to beat my brother."

Maxwell Donaldson covers high school sports and Jacksonville State athletics for the Gadsden Times. Find him on Twitter/X @_Max_Donaldson and contact him at MDonaldson@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: Fyffe RB Logan Anderson back to form after injury ended his 2022 season