True freshman Justin Albert had to wait a little longer than his classmates to begin his college football career.

Albert, from Prattville, suffered a serious knee injury during the Lions’ first-round playoff game last fall. Troy, which had recruited him before the injury, stood by its scholarship offer, but Albert opted to walk on at Auburn.

He spent most of the preseason on a stationary bike, completing his rehab from knee surgery. But he has finally been cleared to practice, and head coach Tommy Tuberville is looking forward to seeing what he can do. Albert will start as a scout-team tailback, but could see practice time at several positions.

“We’ll start him out at running back, then play him maybe some slot (receiver),” Tuberville said. “We might look at him at cornerback. It’ll just depend on how he moves around once he gets pads on.”

Like the rest of Auburn’s true freshman, Albert has been off-limits to the media for more than a week. When he spoke to reporters on Aug. 1, he said he’d be happy to play any position.

“Wherever they need me to play, I’ll play it,” he said. “It doesn’t matter how big you are. If you can play, you’ll play. That’s how they do it at Auburn.”

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