<p>Thomas Davis, Max Jean-Gilles and Odell Thurman are not the only Georgia juniors who are testing the NFL draft waters.</p><p>Defensive tackle Gerald Anderson confirmed Wednesday he also has submitted his name to an NFL advisory panel to see where he might be picked if he enters the April NFL draft. Though he lacks all-star billing or flashy statistics, Anderson's size (6-2, 318) and value as a run-stopper might make him a potential surprise in the draft.</p><p>Anderson says he expects to return for his senior season.</p><p>"I have done that just out of curiosity," he said before practice Wednesday for Saturday's Outback Bowl against Wisconsin. "Everybody is curious. That's about as far as it's going to go right now. I have put my name in there just to see where I stand."</p><p>Anderson acknowledged that if told he would be a high pick in the draft, "That's an opportunity you've got to take."</p><p>Davis, a safety, and Thurman, a linebacker, are regarded as more likely to leave the defense and declare for the draft, as is Jean-Gilles, an offensive tackle. All are waiting to hear from the advisory panel.</p><p>Anderson started all 11 games this year, though his tackle total dropped from 55 in 2003, when he had eight starts, to 29 this season.</p><p>Though he ranks among the Bulldogs' leaders with 6.5 tackles for losses, he had only one-half of a sack. He says his plan is to return to he can work on his pass-rush skills.</p><p>"I need to focus on my pass rush to be a great inside guy," Anderson said. "To be a good inside guy you have to be able to stop the run. To be a great inside guy you have to stop the run and rush the passer. I have to work on that. I have to get more agile to be able to rush the passer."</p><p>The fact that Anderson can even consider NFL options shows he no longer plays in the shadow of fellow Ware County High School alumnus Fred Gibson, Georgia's senior receiver. When Gibson, a national recruit, and Anderson signed with Georgia the same year, Anderson was seen by many as the other player from Waycross.</p><p>While Gibson made an impact in his first season, Anderson was redshirted in 2000 and played in only two games in 2001.</p><p>Anderson says he pulls for his Gibson but says he grew tired of hearing only about his teammate in Athens and in Waycross.</p><p>"When I came in it was Fred, Fred, Fred," Anderson said. "Now it's my time to shine."</p><p>Anderson and defensive tackle Kedric Golston will play key roles for Georgia's defense Saturday as the Bulldogs attempt to contain Wisconsin tailback Anthony Davis, who rushed for 894 yards and 11 touchdowns this season.</p><p>Though Anderson does not have impressive statistics, defensive line coach Rodney Garner says the junior had his best season.</p><p>"I think Gerald has constantly improved his game," Garner said. "He's a very conscientious person, so the things you point out that he needs to concentrate on, he comes out and he does it on a daily basis. It's important to him to be good."</p><p>Anderson, who was overweight as a freshman, earned notice in the weight room before he won a starting job. He set the team record in the squat at 660 pounds before playing in every game as a backup in the 2002 season and then winning a starting job midway through 2003, when he was named Georgia's most improved defensive player."</p><p>"His career probably didn't take off like he would like it to initially, so he's had to go through the tough growing pains that make him more appreciative of where he is today," Garner said.</p><p>Anderson also appreciates his potential NFL opportunity, even if he has to wait one more year. Asked if he is satisfied with his progress, he said "Not quite."</p><p>'I'm still learning, still growing," he said. "There are still a lot of things I need to work on. As far as being satisfied, I am proud of myself as far as how far I've come along."</p><p>And he says he no longer is jealous of Gibson, still the more famous Waycross native.</p><p>"Fred is a great athlete," he said. "You never know what will come in the draft. I hope and pray we both come out in great situations."</p>
