UPDATE: Tide tries Johns at linebacker

TUSCALOOSA | Junior Jimmy Johns was at a new position as the University of Alabama football team had the first of two practices Monday: linebacker.

The running back, who has also taken some snaps under center at quarterback but doesn' t have an official pass attempted and has also seen extensive time on special teams, was practicing at an inside linebacker spot -- which could be an immediate need next season. Senior starter Darren Mustin graduated last Saturday and coaches would like to move true freshman Rolando McClain to outside linebacker.

Johns started at running back against Louisiana-Monroe and had four carries for 34 yards. For the season, he has had 17 carries for 69 yards (5.8 average) and one touchdown, to go with three receptions for 41 yards.

As a sophomore last year, he was second on the team in rushing with 293 yards on 66 carries and one touchdown (4.4 average). He scored his first career touchdown on a 2-yard run against Duke.

Johns had 202 yards on 38 carries as a freshman, giving him 529 career rushing yards.