TUSCALOOSA -- One of the unheralded heroes on Alabama’s defense over the course of his entire career has been defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson, a player that has achieved and grown so much in five seasons.

Wednesday evening, following the Crimson Tide’s third practice of LSU week, Alabama head coach Nick Saban was asked about Tomlinson, and Saban provided some high praise for his fifth-year senior defensive end.

“Dalvin is one of those guys that has been through a lot personally here, family-wise,” Saban said in a post-practice press conference. “He also went through a lot himself in terms of two knee injuries that set him back. You’re talking about a guy that is a great example of perseverance. He always seems to make the obstacle the way to get better and improve.”

(What's the latest with the Tide? Make sure you know by signing up for our FREE Alabama newsletter!)

Losing both of his parents -- his father when he was five years old and his mother just before his senior year at Henry County -- and overcoming injuries early on in his college career, Tomlinson has used football and other mediums to overcome the adversity he has faced. Outside of excelling on the gridiron, the senior is also an avid artist and musician in his free time.

Tomlinson has quietly been one of the most productive players on the Tide’s top-ranked team through eight weeks. Registering 25 tackles, three pass breakups, 2.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, two quarterback hurries and one forced fumble, the McDonaugh, Ga., native has been a big reason for Alabama’s success in stopping the run and applying pressure to quarterbacks in 2016.

But his quiet leadership and example on and off the field have also been a beneficial asset for the Tide.

“As fine a person and as fine a young man as you’re ever going to find,” Saban said. “I don’t think in all the time he’s been here, he’s ever been in my office for anything that he’s ever done wrong or disrespectful in any way, shape or form.

“He’s certainly represented the program in a first-class way. He got bigger and stronger and was very productive for us a year ago, and he’s been even more productive for us this year. We’re really pleased with not only the player but also the person, the student and how he’s represented the institution.”

As one of the most feared players on the team, especially when it comes to impromptu wrestling matches in the locker room, Tomlinson is a gentle giant. And that’s something his teammates appreciate about the defensive lineman.

“He’s a guy who always comes with his hard hat,” linebacker Shaun Hamilton said of Tomlinson. “He doesn’t talk much, but he’s about his business. I love him for that because you know he’s going to come to work everyday and not say anything and just do what he has to do.”

Be sure to enjoy VIP access to BamaOnLine with our FREE trial until Jan. 1, 2017 promotional offer.