[Tuck4Bama]

TUSCALOOSA -- Between Alabama coaches and teammates, no one has offered a pep talk to impromptu nose tackle Lorenzo Washington.

Former starter Brian Motley's broken ankle still says enough on its own.
"They don't say it because I already know," Washington said. "It goes without saying, because it's just me. There really isn't anybody else."

Motley's injury four days before the season opener took him out of action at least six weeks. The Crimson Tide's answer, for better or worse, is Washington. The 6-foot-4, 283-pound sophomore is all that stands between a true freshman and the key spot on Alabama's defensive line.

Washington arrived as a hyped recruit but has yet to match that potential on the practice field, partially because he missed contact work during the spring with a shoulder injury.

"I feel for Motley right now," Washington said. "I was out in the spring, and I

It's Washington or nothing for Alabama at nose tackle- al.com

[Stoney]

Nothing like pressure to bring out a diamond out of the ruff.