BCS National Championship 2013: Crimson Tide aware of Notre Dame LB Manti Te'o

It's no secret that the Alabama Crimson Tide will have to deal with the Heisman runner-up in the BCS National Championship game next week.

The Crimson Tide are well aware of who Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o is, writes Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune:

"Manti is a great player," said [Alabama All-American center Barrett] Jones, who captured the Rimington Trophy as the nation's top center. "You see it all over the film. He makes outstanding plays for their team He's the emotional leader of their defense. He plays with a lot of passion and heart. He's a fun player to watch and I think more important he's even a better person. He's a great guy to be around ... and just one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. Just the fact he's a good person combined with such a great football player is a pretty special combination."

Te'o, who finished second in the Heisman race to Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel, is the heart and soul of the Fighting Irish. This season he has recorded 103 total tackles, 5 1/2 for loss, 1 1/2 sacks and seven interceptions.

Te'o's entire career has been impressive so far. As a sophomore, he recorded 133 total tackles and 9 1/2 for loss. As a junior, he was even better, recording 128 tackles, 13 1/2 for loss and five sacks.

For his career, Te'o has 209 solo tackles, 427 total tackles, 8 1/2 sacks and seven interceptions.

The BCS National Championship game will be held Monday at 8:30 p.m. ET.