Alabama graduates Jalyn Armour-Davis, Josh Jobe, and Daniel Wright to the NFL Draft, but it returns a host of experienced players in the defensive secondary.
Nick Saban hired Travaris Robinson to replace Jay Valai as cornerbacks coach, and the secondary should be a strength in the fall.
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Jordan Battle could have pursued the NFL, but he decided to return to school to finish his degree and compete for a national championship. He is the leading voice in the defensive backfield, but the Crimson Tide has some hitters prepared to bring pain to receivers, running backs, and tight ends. Battle highlighted Brian Branch and DeMarcco Hellams on Thursday as the boys that carry the thump on the backend.
“We have a lot of hard hitters, but there are some guys like BB [Brian Branch] and DeMarcco that stick out,” Battle said. “They are the two hardest hitters. I think they have some concussions or something. They need to check themselves. They are hitting too hard.”
Dec 31, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Brian Branch (14) sacks Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) during the second half in the 2021 Cotton Bowl college football CFP national semifinal game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Battle chuckled when discussing Branch and Hellams, but both bring the wood. Branch excelled in the nickel role in 2021 – totaling 55 tackles, five tackles for loss, a sack, a team-high nine pass breakups, a quarterback hurry, and a fumble recovery.
The 6-foot, 193-pounder was all over the field against Cincinnati in the College Football Playoff Semifinal. He led the team with eight tackles and two breakups. Branch’s confidence grew in Alabama’s last four matchups of 2021.
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Hellams sustained an injury in preseason camp, but he battled through it and turned in a successful junior campaign.
12/4/21 MFB Alabama vs Georgia SEC Championship
Alabama defensive back Demarcco Hellams (2)
Photo by Skylar Lien
He started as a free safety and finished with 87 total tackles (third on the team). Hellams posted 2.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions (shared the team lead), three pass breakups, and a quarterback hurry. The 6-foot-1, 208-pounder could take his game to another level if the team moves him to dime linebacker. He should remain a force if Coach Saban keeps him at safety.
Hellams has a knack for catching players with bone-shattering hits.
Branch and Hellams are playmakers, and Tide fans want both to have a big season.
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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.
