Since the arrival of Terrell Lewis to the University of Alabama in 2016, the Washington, D.C. area has been good to the Crimson Tide’s football program in recruiting.
Three years later, two more names landed from the nation’s capitol – including a potential superstar in the defensive secondary.
DeMarcco Hellams was not only bigger than the competition he faced at DeMatha Catholic School, but he was also faster, stronger and accounted for more impactful plays.
He was a star athlete on offense and defense, juggling receiver and defensive back. During his senior year, Hellams exploded for 1,469 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns on 78 catches.
His size and hands were unstoppable in the red zone, as he snatched every pass and boxed-out defenders. The excellence he showed offensively immediately translated on defense, seeing how he anchored the Stags with 91 tackles in 2018.
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Defensively, Hellams was able to tract the football, manipulate the eyes of a quarterback, undercut routes and make big tackles. He turned in 12 interceptions – including three returned for scores. He was the Washington Post’s Metro Offensive Player of the Year, but it was his performance of two picks and a blocked punt for a safety that propelled DeMatha Catholic into the WCAC Championship Game. After playing in 13 games last year, Hellams has positioned himself for an opportunity to possibly start at one of two safety spots this season for Alabama.
Despite coming in a little heavy at 213 pounds, the four-star cut his weight down to 202 and carries it on a 6-foot-1 frame.
According to Jared Mayden, former Tide safety, the defensive backfield will favor the 2018 group that had Deionte Thompson and Xavier McKinney.
“It won’t be too bad, but nothing teaches like experience,” Mayden said to yours truly of Touchdown Alabama Magazine. “In terms of athleticism, this secondary will have a lot of raw talent. It has to get the plays, chemistry and experience, but the talent will certainly be there.”
When it comes to Hellams, Mayden said he has ‘a lot of promise.’
“He’s good. He’s just young,” Mayden said.
“DeMarcco was X’s backup last year at dime safety. When you saw X come down in the box to play tight ends, that will be DeMarcco’s spot this season. If he does his job, it will be his spot. However, he does have a chance to start at safety in the nickel defense. It will be a battle between him, Daniel Wright and Jordan Battle. That is a lot of talent going at it.”
On Sunday, Hellams posted a video to Twitter of him doing explosive footwork drills.
By any means! ??? #GodsPlan pic.twitter.com/s1bJsbKXiB
— DeMarcco Hellams ₂₉ (@DHellams2) March 30, 2020
When he arrived at Alabama, Mayden said the team thought the only two positions Hellams would play were free safety and dime linebacker.
“He was a little too big out of high school,” Mayden said. “The last time I saw him, though, he’s dropped to 202 pounds. DeMarcco is cut up and he’s moving better at strong safety. Even with him losing weight, he still has the thickness to play in the box and the quickness to play free.”
With the duo of Wright and Patrick Surtain II as the veterans, Hellams looks to create his own waves – no matter where he lines up.
This season will be fun to watch him emerge.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
