Alabama true freshman Nico Johnson will be starting at the weakside linebacker position in today’s game against South Carolina.

Johnson has been at practice vying for the position this week with sophomore Jerrell Harris, according to ESPN.com.

Harris just finished his suspension this week.

At the beginning of the season, Johnson was placed in the third-string middle linebacker position under starting junior Rolando McClain and sophomore Chris Jordan.

His first playing time came in the second game of the season against Florida International University, where he played on special teams.

Johnson played his best game in the North Texas game where he had three unassisted tackles and one assisted tackle.

On Oct. 3, Johnson had one unassisted tackle against the University of Kentucky.

Last week at Ole Miss, Johnson had two unassisted tackles and one assisted tackle.

This is Johnson’s first start for the Crimson Tide.