Hampton grad Ross Andersson plays integral role on Johns Hopkins defense
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Every defense has its quarterback — the veteran tasked with relaying the calls from the sideline, getting players in position, understanding coverages and rotations. Rarely is that player a sophomore or a first-year starter.
As a player who qualifies as both, it’s fair to say Ross Andersson is a rare bird for Johns Hopkins. The free safety formerly known as a three-year starting quarterback at Hampton is seeing his game flourish since focusing his efforts on learning one position. Recently, he was named CoSIDA Academic All-District for the Blue Jays, who wrapped up a 7-3 regular season.
“It was a surprise,” Andersson said. “It’s something I wasn’t expecting to get as a sophomore. It’s humbling. I’m playing for something bigger than myself, but to get something for my academic and athletic accomplishments together, it was nice to be recognized.”
Andersson’s talents were recognized by Blue Jays defensive coordinator Harrison Green, who saw his leadership abilities immediately.
“The first thing I can recall is how loud he was on the field as a freshman,” Green said. “I would say it’s less of a rarity to have a freshman or two that are special from a talent standpoint, but I think it’s much rarer for him to be able to do what he did just because of the demands of his specific position.”
Andersson was a leader of the Hampton football team as a junior and a senior — seeing the program through difficult times his last two years as the team went 2-18.
But he joined a program last year at Johns Hopkins that finished in first place in the Centennial Conference the past 10 years. Last year, the team made its first Division III semifinals appearance.
“I guess you could call it a breath of fresh air,” said Andersson, who was faced with the sudden death of renowned coach Jim Margraff in January.
A natural leader, Andersson has learned to make his way on a team with many others who are cut from the same cloth.
“It’s different but a good kind of different when you have a bunch of guys who have that ability,” he said. “Some are more vocal, some will get on you for slacking, some are more encouraging, and some lead by example. To have this melting pot is a big reason for our success.”
After earning playing time as the primary nickel back on passing downs his freshman year, Andersson came into his own after winning the starting free safety job, a position he played for the Talbots as well.
He made his presence felt in the first game of the year with a key goal-line interception in a 17-12 victory over Randolph-Macon (Va.) that swung the momentum in the Blue Jays’ favor.
“My first game this year when I had my first career interception … but even the first solo tackle proved to me I belong here, I’m confident in my abilities and can be someone my teammates rely on and coaches can trust,” Andersson said.
The coaching staff trusting a first-year sophomore starter to run its defense speaks volumes about Andersson’s mental capacity and leadership abilities, but his athleticism flew under the radar for a bit.
“When you project a high school quarterback into a different position, the assumption is it’s going to take some time for that transition,” Green said. “But he’s a natural defensive back and safety. He moves better going backward than forward, which is the key to the whole thing.”
Andersson finished seventh on the team in tackles with 43, to go along with team lead in interceptions and pass breakups with three apiece.
“The question mark with him was from a size standpoint when it comes to the physical part of the game and tackling,” Green said. “He has made it a huge point of emphasis. He’s grown as a tackler and is a willing hitter. That’s no longer a weakness of his.”
Andersson is a bimolecular engineering major who carries a 3.90 GPA at a school with an emphasis on academics above all else. He has a handful of teammates in the same major with whom he has formed a tight bond.
“It’s a different type of bond,” he said. “We’re not playing because we’re trying to go to the NFL. We’re playing for our love of the game. It’s a mutual thing. We’re not doing it for individual growth. It’s a team game.”