Alabama knows how important this season is on defense, but will it return to its standard?
Crimson Tide fans want to see it, and several players look to make it happen. Pete Golding, Alabama’s defensive coordinator, expects to put an elite group on the field. The Tide returns veteran players on each level of its defense. One of the veterans, senior safety DeMarcco Hellams, spoke to reporters in Monday’s player interviews. Hellams could have pursued the NFL Draft, but he chose to return to school to better himself as a student and player. He wanted to get his degree and increase his draft stock.
RELATED: WATCH: DeMarcco Hellams talks decision to return to Alabama for senior year
Hellams, among others, has seen the participation trophy from the College Football Playoff in the cafeteria. He won a CFP National Championship in an undefeated 2020 season. Hellams wants to taste the champagne again, and he said the defense is now focused and aggressive.
“The best thing about this defense is we are not shying away from any expectations we have for ourselves,” Hellams said. “We attack every day with the ‘Bama’ mindset, having discipline, playing together, and being an aggressive defense.”
Hellams totaled 87 tackles, three pass breakups, and three interceptions in 2021. He came back to school to be a leader for the Crimson Tide. As a former four-star in the 2019 class, he wants to leave the program with one thing accomplished.
“I want to relay the standard to everyone in my senior year,” Hellams said. “I know what it takes to be a national champion, I know what it takes to be at Alabama. I want to make sure before I leave here that I pass on the tradition to the younger guys.”
RELATED: Can DeMarcco Hellams live up to fearsome ‘Hitman Hellams’ nickname?
Alabama’s depth on defense, especially in the secondary, has Hellams very excited.
“We have a lot of guys who can play,” he said. “We have a lot of guys who are learning. We have a lot of guys who can play multiple positions.”
The Tide is expected to win a CFP National Championship, and its defense is expected to dominate the league.
This season will tell us a lot about Golding and if Alabama is still an elite defensive program.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber-only content!*
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.
