Jordan Battle unveils DeMarcco Hellams nickname origins

Alabama brings back their elite safety duo of Jordan Battle and DeMarcco Hellams this season, a huge strength of the Crimson Tide defense. Battle, an All-American safety, discussed what it means having his partner in crime back as they both enter their senior season.

“I love DeMarcco man, he’s Hit Man Hellams, he’s a big hitter. He’s come back, he’s doing a great job taking care of his body, great mentally, he’s locked in. We’re both locked in and focused on what we need to do to get better this year, what we can do to change from last year that we did wrong. So just having him back and being comfortable with him back there with me is great,” Battle said.

Battle talked more about his running mate’s nickname, its origin, and how fitting it is for Hellams.

CLICK HERE to subscribe to the On3 YouTube channel today for all of the latest news on college football, recruiting, NIL, more! 

“I think he came up with it to be honest, I mean I think his play speaks for the name. He’s a good hitter, when he breaks on the ball I think receivers get a little timid to catch it, so yeah man Hit Man Hellams,” Battle said.

Battle was also asked if there were any specific hits last season that he remembers or stand out that personify the nickname, to which Battle couldn’t pick just one.

“A couple come to my mind when you say it, Mississippi State, Kentucky, it’s a couple hits,” Battle said.

The duo of Battle and Hellams were extremely productive and pivotal to Alabama’s defense last year. The two tied for the most interceptions on the defense with three, along with recent NFL draft selection Jalyn Armour-Davis, and ranked third and fourth on the defense in tackles coming down from their safety spots to support the run.

The Tide also bring back their top two tackles in Henry To’oTo’o and Will Anderson, those two combined with their safety duo set up the Tide nicely on all three levels of the defense for another shot at the National Championship this season.

DeMarcco Hellams addresses reason for returning to Alabama for senior season

One of the keys to Alabama‘s historic success on the defensive side of the ball has been elite play at the safety position, and safety DeMarcco Hellams held up his end of the bargain last season. Hellams shined in his first year as a starter last season, and decided to return to the Tide for one more season, and explained his reasoning behind his return.

“Coming back, it was a decision I made with my family. It was the best decision for me talking to my family and talking to coaches, giving me a better opportunity to get better as a player, allows me to get my degree off the field, and another opportunity to win another national championship. You know, just attacking the day and going day by day,” Hellams said. 

Hellams was one of the top production guys on the defensive side of the ball last season for Alabama, tying for first on the team in interceptions with three (fifth in the SEC) and ranking third on the team in tackles with 87.

Hellams also added a quarterback hurry and three pass break ups to his season stat line last year, being named defensive player of the week by Alabama’s coaching staff four different times throughout last season. Hellams suffered a lower leg injury during fall camp last year that limited his playing time early in the 2021 season, but the Tide are hoping he can start this season completely healthy and continue to lead them from his safety spot.