DeMarcco Hellams makes highlight reel interception in preseason matchup vs. Bengals
DeMarcco Hellams was a seventh-round pick, but he’s making first-round plays. The former Alabama standout recorded a pivotal interception in the Atlanta Falcons’ preseason contest against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Ahead 10-6 with just over five minutes left in the fourth quarter, Hellams picked off Bengals QB Jake Browning to give the Falcons fantastic field position. Nonetheless, the Bengals ultimately tied the Falcons 13-13. After the contest, Falcons head coach Arthur Smith bragged about his rookie DB.
“He shows up when the lights come on, just like he did at Alabama. He finds the ball,” Smith said. “That’s a good pattern to have.”
In 54 career games played for Alabama, Hellams recorded 261 tackles and 7.5 tackles for a loss. Four interceptions throughout his career were his highlight but he was also involved in 17 passes defended. Hellams tallied a team-high 108 tackles last season for the Crimson Tide.
Hellams was a four-star recruit out of DeMatha Catholic in Maryland. Further, he was the No. 89 overall player in the nation and the 10th-best safety in the Class of 2019. At 6-foot-1, 203-pounds, Hellams brings plenty of natural ability to the Falcons.
Just one of many wins for DeMarcco Hellams
The interception is just another personal victory for Hellams. In Atlanta’s preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins, Hellams recorded a first-quarter interception against Dolphins quarterback Mike White. Smith was impressed by Hellams’ talent.
“It’s the same thing we saw it in Alabama – the guy is around the football,” Smith said of Hellams after the Falcons 19-3 win over the Dolphins. “He’s a good football player.”
Hellams is learning from two of the best in the business. Currently behind Jessie Bates III and Richie Grant in the Falcons’ unofficial depth chart, Hellams won’t have trouble finding a mentor.
“It’s been great being around those guys,” Hellams said after the team’s win against Miami. “They did a great job of encouraging us and just letting us know what we can do with our first preseason game, and we were ready for the moment.”
The Falcons’ front office isn’t surprised by the pair’s leadership, especially Bates. Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot considered Bates’ off-the-field strengths just as much as his on-field talent when signing him.
“Everything he can bring, outside of obviously the football player, he’s been a good football player in this league. We also know the person he is and what he’s going to bring to the locker room,” Fontenot said.
Judging from two preseason games, Fontenot’s plan is working to perfection. Atlanta Falcons fans can watch Hellams make his regular-season debut on Sept. 10 against the Carolina Panthers.