2023 NFL Draft Profile: Alabama Safety DeMarcco Hellams
Do you know which player led Alabama football in tackles last season?
It just so happened to be the same player who topped the team in the statistical category against Kansas State in the Sugar Bowl, and he didn't play linebacker.
It was a pretty good sendoff for safety DeMarcco Hellams, who went from being sort of the odd-man out in in the secondary, to carving out a role on the Crimson Tide's third-down defense in 2020, and then becoming a two-year starter.
Not only did he lead the Crimson Tide in tackles with 108, but was sixth in the Southeastern Conference, and the top five were all linebackers. He also had three tackles for a loss, one sack, broke up seven passes, recorded a quarterback hurry, notched one interception and forced a fumble that he recovered.
Fittingly, in his final game with the Crimson Tide was played in a place that's known for its celebrations, New Orleans, where Hellams led all defenders with a career-high 13 stops.
It's no wonder that some of his teammates called him "Hitman," even before he elected to come back for one final season and chance to play alongside Jordan Battle at safety, and Brian Branch in the star position over the slot.
“It’s just a nickname someone came up with,” Hellams said. “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.”
Alabama Safety DeMarcco Hellams
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