TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- There’s a new face in the middle of Alabama’s defense.

At least in its dime package.

Mack Wilson has fittingly filled the Mack linebacker role in the Crimson Tide’s dime formation the past two games, and that’s something Alabama’s coaching staff envisioned for the former 5-star this season after a true freshman campaign filled with highlight hits.

“Mack has done a nice job all year long,” head coach Nick Saban said. “I think Mack was a guy that we had zeroed in to be this dime guy, the dime Mack. But when we lost three guys -- Rashaan and the two outside backers -- in the Florida State game, we had to move Mack from that position to Buck to take Rashaan’s place, which he did for a few weeks.

“Then Rashaan wasn’t 100-percent right when he came back, so he stayed there for a while. So, since we’ve moved him back to Mack, he’s been very, very productive. He’s very athletic. He’s a good blitzer. He’s a good cover guy. He’s got really good instincts. So, all these things, I think, can be helpful to us, and he’s done a really good job.”

Yes, yes he has.

Alabama LB Mack Wilson

In two games manning the middle of Alabama’s dime defense, Wilson has intercepted two passes to tie cornerback Levi Wallace for the team lead with three. His most recent interception was against Tennessee this past weekend and capped a goal-line stand for the Crimson Tide, helping hold the Vols to seven points in Alabama’s eighth straight victory of 2017.

With increased playing time, Wilson is starting to fill up the stat sheet. And and by filling up the stat sheet, the sophomore linebacker is starting to push his older Tide teammates.

“We make it a competition,” Wallace said. “He said earlier this week he was planning to try to catch me on interceptions, so we’re having a competition amongst the defense.”

Through eight games, Wilson has produced 21 tackles, three quarterback hurries and one pass breakup at multiple linebacker spots. But he has replaced redshirt junior Keith Holcombe at Mack of late as Holcombe deals with what appears to be a hamstring issue.

Holcombe, Rashaan Evans and Shaun Dion Hamilton are the veterans in Alabama’s linebacking corps, but as early as the season opener against Florida State, Wilson joined them on the field and has been a big part of the defense at the inside linebacker position. The Montgomery, Ala., native has “really matured as a player,” Evans said during UA’s bye week.

“At the beginning, he was really one of those guys that you really didn’t know what he was going to do as far as his position,” Evans said. “But for right now, he’s been making his presence known. All of the little things he did in practice and getting that extra film in and doing all the right things in practice, it shows up on the field. For a guy like him, the sky of the limit.”

A former top recruit from the state of Alabama taking advantage of the opportunity in front of him. Sound familiar? Evans, too, has noticed the similarities in the two Tide defenders.

“Absolutely,” Evans said. “I feel Mack can do just as much as I can. With him being able to rush off the edge -- you saw that against Vanderbilt -- he did a very good job with that. The fact he can also play inside and make big-time plays with his interceptions, as well. With Mack, man, all I can say is just continue to do all the things he’s doing and keep his head on straight.”

Contact Charlie Potter by 247Sports' personal messaging or on Twitter (@Charlie_Potter).