DeMarcco Hellams addresses reason for returning to Alabama for senior season
One of the keys to Alabama‘s historic success on the defensive side of the ball has been elite play at the safety position, and safety DeMarcco Hellams held up his end of the bargain last season. Hellams shined in his first year as a starter last season, and decided to return to the Tide for one more season, and explained his reasoning behind his return.
“Coming back, it was a decision I made with my family. It was the best decision for me talking to my family and talking to coaches, giving me a better opportunity to get better as a player, allows me to get my degree off the field, and another opportunity to win another national championship. You know, just attacking the day and going day by day,” Hellams said.
Hellams was one of the top production guys on the defensive side of the ball last season for Alabama, tying for first on the team in interceptions with three (fifth in the SEC) and ranking third on the team in tackles with 87.
Hellams also added a quarterback hurry and three pass break ups to his season stat line last year, being named defensive player of the week by Alabama’s coaching staff four different times throughout last season. Hellams suffered a lower leg injury during fall camp last year that limited his playing time early in the 2021 season, but the Tide are hoping he can start this season completely healthy and continue to lead them from his safety spot.
DeMarcco Hellams reveals backstory to ‘Hitman’ nickname
Alabama senior DB DeMarcco Hellams has gained quite the reputation. He finished Top-10 in the SEC last season in solo tackles with 54. They weren’t of the kind variety either, so much so that fellow Crimson Tide DB Jordan Battlegave him the nickname ‘Hitman’.
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Hellams talked about his new alias during his press conference on Monday. He says he is more than happy to take on the name because of what it says about the kind of player he is on the field.
“It’s just a nickname someone came up with,” said Hellams. “My tenacity on the field (means) I don’t fear anyone. And I’m not afraid to hit anyone so I’ll take that nickname.”
DeMarcco Hellams finished third on the Alabama roster in total tackles with 87 as a junior last season. He also tied for the Tide’s lead in interceptions with three. Pair those stats with that nickname ahead of his senior season and Nick Saban has just another big-time option to work with on defense, specifically in the secondary.