Former Alabama QB Blake Sims returned to Tuscaloosa earlier this season to simulate Texas A&M QB Trevor Knight in practice.

He was back with the program again this week, simulating Clemson QB Deshaun Watson ahead of Monday night’s national championship showdown.

In the video above, Sims joins ESPN Radio to discuss the experience. He said he’s thankful to have had the opportunity to work with Alabama ahead of yet another title-game appearance:

“I’m just blessed for Coach Saban to hand-pick me to come help the Tide win.”

He added that players like Trent Richardson, John Parker Wilson and himself relish the opportunity to return to the program that meant so much to them:

“We love coming back. It’s home. That’s our family. We’re a family. When you get opportunities like this, you want to show up. You want to come help the Tide out.”

Alabama will try for its second-straight title on Monday night at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. The game kicks off at 8:30 p.m. Eastern time and can be seen on ESPN.