[Tuck4Bama]

TUSCALOOSA -- The first thing people usually notice about Lorenzo Washington is his body size.
In Alabama coach Nick Saban's words, "He's a big guy."

He's certainly more imposing than even his 6-foot-4, 283-pound measurements would indicate. Washington is especially rangy. He has the wingspan and intimidating look of a prize fighter.

Given this, it's easy to tell why he was pegged for football stardom long before a delayed arrival as a heralded recruit at Alabama. He's gifted as an athlete -- his cousin Tony Miller is a professional baseball player -- and has shown just enough flashes for Crimson Tide coaches and teammates to comprehend the level he could reach.

That's why they've always pushed him so hard.

"Not only were they expecting it. I was expecting it, too," Washington said. "But I just had a lot to learn football-wise, and just growth- and maturity-wise. So I'm trying to take advantage of my opportunity that's at hand for me right now."

For Alabama's sake, Washington has no choice. Starter Brian Motley is out after breaking his ankle in the preseason, and as a result, Washington is the first-string nose tackle.

Coaches expecting big things from Washington- al.com

[Stoney]

I hope he has the game of his life and records a record number of tackles for losses in this game against McFadden.