In this Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011 photo, Alabama's Alex Watkins (91) tackles LSU's Ron Brooks during the second half of an NCAA college football game, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Watkins grew up chopping wood for his grandmother's old stove in rural Tennessee. Maybe
In this Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011 photo, Alabama's Alex Watkins (91) tackles LSU's Ron Brooks during the second half of an NCAA college football game, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Watkins grew up chopping wood for his grandmother's old stove in rural Tennessee. Maybe that country boy toughness helps explain why he was able to return to practice a day after surgery for a broken arm _ and from knee surgery before that. Butch Dill, Associated Press
By Associated Press

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama linebacker Alex Watkins didn't miss a practice after having surgery to repair a broken arm.

He returned two weeks later to play on special teams for the fourth-ranked Crimson Tide against No. 1 LSU with 23 staples and a plate in his left forearm.

Watkins' swift return has wowed teammates and coach Nick Saban.

Tide center William Vlachos (vlay-HOS) calls it "the epitome of toughness."

Saban says Watkins is "an amazing guy" and that he could see an increased role on defense Saturday night at Mississippi State.

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Some of that toughness might have come from growing up in rural Tennessee. Watkins says he was chopping wood by the time he was 8 years old.

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