Alabama received some good news on defense for 2020: Joshua McMillon has been granted a medical redshirt and NCAA eligibility for a sixth season.

McMillon, who was lost for the 2019 season during fall camp, shared the big news in a Facebook post about his graduation:

2019 has been a year to remember. I’ve had good days and bad days. Going into my senior year of football I was set to be a starter for the University of Alabama Crimson Tide. Unfortunately I tore ACL before the season began and was not able to complete the season. I never questioned the work of God and always kept faith in his destiny. Today I turned 23 years old and I am the first African American football player to graduate from the university with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. I am the first to graduate from a 4 year university in family. I was also granted a medical shirt from the NCAA to return next season to play. I am truly blessed and give all praises to God, family, and friends. Many said it couldn’t be done but I’ve never stood down from a challenge. Thank you all for pushing me to be the best I can be!

In November, it was revealed that Alabama would petition for a redshirt for McMillon.

“We’d love to have him,” Nick Saban said at the time.

McMillion’s return gives the Crimson Tide some more experience at linebacker after having to push younger linebackers into early action this past season due to injuries to McMillon and Dylan Moses.

McMillion’s injury was heartbreaking for the Alabama community as the redshirt senior was expected to be a starter after years of helping out off the bench. Perhaps in 2020 he’ll finally be a starter.