Alabama CFP Media Day

Alabama defensive lineman D.J. Pettway (57) does his impression of Carolina quarterback Cam Newton for a video during Media Day in Phoenix, Ariz., Saturday, Jan. 9, 2016. Alabama will take on Clemson in the College Football National Championship Monday. (Julie Bennett/jbennett@al.com) ORG XMIT: ALBIN

(JULIE BENNETT)

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Clemson had a chance to take the lead heading into halftime.

A drive led by star quarterback Deshaun Watson had the Tigers at Alabama's 26-yard line shortly before the end of the first half, setting up a very makeable 43-yard field goal for kicker Greg Huegel.

The kick was blocked by Tide senior defensive lineman D.J. Pettway.

That was one of several standout moments for Pettway during Alabama's 45-40 win over Clemson in the national title game Monday night, as the Pensacola, Fla. native closed his Tide career on a high note two years after being given a second chance to play at Alabama.

Pettway was dismissed from the team in 2013 after being arrested and charged with second-degree robbery. After Pettway spent 2013 at East Mississippi Community College, coach Nick Saban allowed him to return to Alabama, noting that he felt like Pettway deserved a second chance after meeting certain guidelines during his time away from the program.

While Pettway has been primarily a backup and rotational player the last two years, he made several big plays against Clemson. He had a tackle for a loss, the blocked field goal and two pass deflections.

"It doesn't surprise me," offensive lineman Alphonse Taylor said. "He's a great player. Everybody knows he's a great player. To see him come back and take advantage of the second chance he was given, I'm proud of him, man. I'm proud of him."

Pettway played more Monday with Alabama often in nickel and dime defenses.

He had one pass deflection and the blocked field goal in the first half.

Then, after a Kenyan Drake kick return for a touchdown gave the Tide a 38-27 midway through the fourth quarter, Pettway tackled Clemson running back Wayne Gallman for a one-yard loss on the first play of the Tigers' ensuing drive.

He had his second pass deflection later in that drive.

Though Clemson eventually scored to cut Alabama's lead to 38-33, the Tide won, claiming its fourth national title in the last seven years.

"It feels good," said Pettway, who finished the season with 18 tackles, five stops for a loss and two sacks. "We worked hard for this. I'm just glad we got it done, glad we got it done for coach Saban, glad we got it done for everybody in this organization."