NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. –- Texas freshman kick returner D.J. Monroe isn’t sure if he’ll see any action in Thursday’s Citi BCS National Championship game.

Monroe missed the final three games of the season after he was arrested on Nov. 15 on charges of driving while intoxicated. Those charges eventually were dismissed, possibly paving the return for the nation’s No. 2 kickoff returner back onto the Longhorns’ team.

While playing in Texas’ first 10 games, Monroe returned 14 kickoffs for a 35.8 yard-per-return average and two touchdowns.

Despite that breakaway ability, Monroe has not been told if he’ll play Thursday night against Alabama, a team that has struggled in kickoff coverage this season. The Tide rank 116th nationally, allowing an average of 25.6 yards per return with two touchdowns.

“I’m not sure where he (coach Mack Brown) wants to put me right now,” Monroe said. “He hasn’t said the final word. I catch balls every day, but I’m not sure about where I’ll be used.”

Monroe’s departure was a wrenching one for him. Since his return, he has leaned on senior leaders like Lamarr Houston, Jordan Shipley and Sergio Kindle to get back in the good graces of the rest of the team.

“What I did was a bone-headed mistake. It was very hard and took a little toll not to be with my brothers who were there every day,” Monroe said. “But it’s a stepping stone I’ll learn from.”

Marquise Goodwin has emerged as a prime returner since Monroe’s departure. Goodwin's 95-yard return against Texas A&M was the clinching fourth-quarter touchdown in that wild 49-39 triumph.

We’ll have to wait to see if Brown will return Monroe to the kick return rotation or if he’s satisfied with Goodwin and Shipley in the returning roles.

For his part, Monroe says he is ready if called upon.

“I’m never rusty in football,” Monroe said. “I think I’ll do fine if I have a chance to play.”