Alabama linebacker and Andalusia native Nico Johnson is apparently comfortable playing in head coach Nick Saban’s nickel defense.

The Dothan Eagle published a story written about Johnson’s reaction to being thrust into the game last week against Florida with fellow linebacker C.J. Mosley out due to injury.

“Coach threw me in the fire and I was able to adapt like that,” Johnson said in the article, written by Ken Rogers, who covers Alabama. “I’m real comfortable (in nickel). I study the playbook just about every day, watch more film than some of the coaches. …. I’m real comfortable with the defense.”

The junior normally plays in the “regular” defense, slated more at stopping the run game.

Johnsn netted a game-high four tackles and recovered a fumble in the Crimson Tide’s 38-10 win over the Gators.