Nico Johnson, Jerrell Harris battle for starting spot

TUSCALOOSA — Alabama linebacker Nico Johnson earned respect from his teammates and coaches in his first start Saturday against Ole Miss.

This week, the true freshman from Andalusia will compete to keep his job.

Sophomore linebacker Jerrell Harris returns to the Crimson Tide after serving a six-game suspension.

“I think that Nico is a fine young player and he did a good job in the game for us,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said Monday. “There is lots of competition out there. We are going to get Jerrell Harris back and that’s the position he plays, so those two guys will compete and get reps this week.”

That Saban would consider immediately starting Harris underscores the ability the 6-foot-3, 227-pound sophomore from Gadsden possesses.

“We thought he had a role on our defense back in camp,” Saban said. “He’s obviously been out of it for a little time now. But he’s very athletic, he’s instinctive, he’s a playmaker.”

Harris played in 10 games as a true freshman last season, mostly on special teams but also at outside linebacker. He was listed as Dont’a Hightower’s backup at will linebacker before Hightower went down with a season-ending knee injury.

“He hasn’t played a lot at that position, even though we moved him to that position last spring,” Saban said. “We’ll see where he’s at and try to develop him and see how he can help us.”

Sam linebacker Cory Reamer said both players will add to the defense.

“(Johnson) did a good job. ... No glaring mistakes that I could tell from,” the senior said. “He made some plays when he needed to and stepped in. It’s a hard position for a freshman to step in and play in an SEC road game. From what I saw he did a really good job.”
But Harris, who was highly recruited, a Parade Magazine All-American and SuperPrep’s No. 3 linebacker in the country, has an extra year in the system, if not at inside linebacker.

“He’s unbelievably athletic,” Reamer said. “He’s got great speed, got great instincts. And he’s bulked up a lot in this offseason. He’s ready to compete at inside linebacker.

“He just brings another aspect to the game that maybe I couldn’t bring or Dont’a didn’t have or Nico didn’t have. Everybody’s got their own unique aspects that they can bring to the linebacker position. So we’re looking forward to him just being part of the rotation.”

Middle linebacker Rolando McClain is taking a more wait-and-see approach to Harris.

“I don’t know, he hasn’t played with us yet,” McClain said coolly. “But he is a hard working guy in practice. ... He brings a lot of speed and he’s very physical and he’s a good player and we’ll see.”

McClain said Johnson played well on Saturday at Ole Miss.

“They told me Friday in the hotel that Nico was probably going to be beside me,” McClain said. “He made typical freshman mistakes — nothing big, nothing we didn’t expect. We just told him to go out there and play hard. When you see the ball, go get it. I think he did fine.”

Quarterback Greg McElroy goes against Johnson and Harris in practice nearly every day. Harris has been on the scout team defense in practice.

“He’s really allowed us to get a good look,” McElroy said. “He gives great effort, he’s a fast, athletic player. He’s very rangy for a linebacker and he’s slippery. He’s one of those guys who has all the talent in the world.

“Just understanding the defense, just getting the confidence and being assignment-proof is really where he needed to step up and he’s made those steps. He’s worked extremely hard. I’m very glad that he’s back this week and he should be a beneficial player to have for us in the future.”

The quarterback said Johnson is a team-first player who reminds him of a former Alabama linebacker playing in the NFL.

“Nico is a young guy, just trying to find his feet a little bit — all the talent in the world, much like Jerrell, really a good kid,” McElroy said. “Reminds me a lot of Demeco Ryans, just in the way he handles himself. Very much a team player, a very respectful player who really just wants what’s best for the team.

“Trying to improve not for himself, but so that he can contribute whether it’s on special teams or on defense. He’ll really help out a lot in the next couple of weeks.”

Saban said both Johnson and Harris will take a lot of reps in practice, adding that both players may contribute. Harris could see more action in passing situations, Johnson, as was the case against the Rebels, could play more in the Tide’s base defense.
“Later in the week, we’ll have to make a decision as to who is most ready to play in certain roles,” the coach said. “(Nico) did a good job, especially the first time out. He just played in regular and did a really good job on special teams as well. We are really pleased with his progress.”