He did not play against Notre Dame because of an undisclosed injury in the SEC Championship versus Florida, and Nick Saban still has Malachi Moore (true freshman) listed as ‘questionable’ for Alabama.
As a Freshman All-SEC and second-team All-SEC selection, the four-star defensive back practiced this week.
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The 6-foot, 182-pounder has allowed one touchdown all season, while leading the team for interceptions (three). Moore has six pass breakups, two quarterback hurries, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one defensive score. He has played with high intelligence and was one of the reasons behind the Crimson Tide’s improvement on defense in a seven-game stretch during the regular season. If he is not able to participate on Monday night for the CFP national title game, expect to see a lot of DeMarcco Hellams against Ohio State.
A native of Washington, D.C., the sophomore carries a lot of big-play potential to the secondary.
Hellams led Alabama in total tackles (eight) versus LSU and in a physical matchup with Notre Dame, the alumnus of DeMatha Catholic School showed out in the Rose Bowl. He was aggressive in his approach, but he finished plays in run support and performed well in coverage too.
The former four-star recorded a team-high 12 tackles. He also had one tackle for loss and one sack in the Tide’s 31-14 victory.
Listed at 6-foot-1 and 208 pounds, Hellams has the size to play in the box — which is pivotal for Alabama in facing a powerful running back in Trey Sermon.
Sermon, who is listed at 6-foot-1 and 215 pounds, has emerged down the stretch as a game changer.
He has 868 yards rushing with four scores on 115 carries, while averaging 124 yards per game.
When it comes to attacking Sermon, the Tide has to have multiple bodies flying at him.
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Alabama was one of four teams that held Kyren Williams of Notre Dame under 70 yards rushing.
Hellams was a major reason behind the Tide’s success — especially with him winning the edge, sticking his nose into the backfield, wrapping up in space and fitting his gaps correctly. Coach Saban mentioned after the win over the Fighting Irish on how Hellams executes well in practice.
He takes those learning experiences and it applies to the game.
Hellams is fifth on the roster in total tackles (58) and has three breakups. His confidence is growing and with him potentially being a starter next season, Alabama will need him in order to secure a College Football Playoff National Championship.
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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
