The flash came on New Year's Day, and those that weren't paying much attention likely missed it.
When the University of Alabama's 49-7 thrashing of Michigan State in the Capital One Bowl began, Dont'a Hightower had to watch from the sideline as the Crimson Tide offense consumed nearly half of the first-quarter clock on a game-opening touchdown drive. By the time the game ended, Hightower had long been back on the sideline, having given way to younger players who needed the experience with the score well in hand.
Somewhere in between, for the first time in more than a year since tearing knee ligaments, the fourth-year junior showed the quickness and explosiveness he displayed as an All-Southeastern Conference freshman in 2008. It didn't show up in the statistics so much (Hightower made two tackles and recorded one quarterback hurry).
But the difference to Hightower (6-4, 260 pounds) and his teammates was obvious enough.
"The only time I felt maybe 100 percent was against Michigan State," Hightower said.
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