It was a long season in 2008 for Jerrell Harris.

Sure, he saw some action on special teams and even some late-season snaps on defense. But bench time wasn't in the script for the four-star linebacker from Gadsden City High. Not with Alabama needing three new starters at linebacker, and certainly not given the immense hype that came with Harris' recruitment.

"That's probably the hardest thing I ever had to do - when you're growing up and you're playing the whole time and you get to college and that first year you hit the wall," Harris said of his playing time last year. "It really humbles you and makes you sit down and really pay attention."

Harris said his relationship with God and his mother helped him get through all the bench time last season. But toward the end of the year, UA coach Nick Saban noted that Harris had made strides in practice.

And now, Harris says, the game has slowed down for him.

"It's been a process coming through because last year I learned a lot, switching from the Sam and the Money and the Will positions," he said. "... Last year was really just a learning curve, maturing over the year and just learning to be patient and learn certain plays and go play fast."

Last year Harris appeared in 10 games and made three tackles while primarily working at the Sam (strongside) linebacker position.

Harris has been working with the inside linebackers at the Will position in camp thus far, and said Will starter Don'ta Hightower has been helpful to him in answering questions about the position.

A potential move of Hightower to the outside as a pass rusher could throw competition at the Will position wide open. And with some added weight, Harris is ready for the more physical challenge of playing inside.

"I made a big change - when I came in I was like 212 [pounds], now I'm about 230 and I bench about 395. So it's a big change from working hard in the weight room," Harris said.

That extra weight will come in handy against a power running game, particularly if Harris fends off other candidates for the position. Those include incoming freshmen Nico Johnson and Tana Patrick.

"Outside you just really hold the edge on outside containment, and inside you've got to me more aggressive taking on guards and filling holes," Harris said.