Alabama football linebacker Jihaad Campbell has made himself indispensable for the Crimson Tide this season. When starters Deontae Lawson and Trezmen Marshall have been sidelined with injuries, the sophomore has gone from a rotation player to a starter and been a solid replacement.

His best game of the season came Saturday against Tennessee. For his efforts in that game, Campbell was named the Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the week.

“He’s stepped up a lot,” Crimson Tide outside linebacker Chris Braswell said of Campbell’s performance against the Volunteers. “Jihaad has stepped up a lot. He’s making plays out there on the field. He’s a great player.”

Campbell had 10 tackles against Tennessee, good for a career high. He also sealed the Crimson Tide’s comeback win, when Braswell forced a Joe Milton fumble, which Campbell recovered and took 24 yards to the end zone, making it a two-score game in the fourth quarter.

The linebacker now has 39 tackles on the season. He’s racked up seven tackles for loss, along with an interception and a half-sack.

Campbell and his Alabama teammates have an open date on the schedule Saturday after the Tennessee win. The Crimson Tide will be back in action Nov. 4, facing LSU in Tuscaloosa.