Crimson Red Sports

TUSCALOOSA | Nick Saban had said from the beginning that two to three weeks was the projected sit time for the injured Alex Watkins, so when the senior linebacker found his way onto the kickoff team against LSU just two weeks after breaking his arm against Tennessee, it wasn't a complete shock.

But that doesn't mean the resiliency Watkins showed in returning to practice didn't draw the respect of teammates and coaches alike.

"I don't get surprised much when guys come back from injuries. But this guy never missed a day," Saban said. "He gets his arm operated on and a plate put in his arm on Sunday, Saturday night (of the Tennessee game), whatever, and runs out on the field Monday like he's ready to practice. I said, 'Well at least put a black shirt on so you don't get hit.'"

Watkins was named one of UA's players of the week for his special teams play against the Tigers.

"Tough guy. That's the?epitome?of toughness there," said center William Vlachos. "I can't imagine what that feels like, but that's obviously some toughness."