Alabama ‘Hitman’ safety gave himself perfect nickname
There are some real personalities in Alabama’s secondary. Jordan Battle proved that last year.
Now a senior, Battle stepped to the mic Friday to say he didn’t have any new Nick Saban jokes but noted the coach has been laughing a lot and that he’s “liking his energy lately.” The Fort Lauderdale product gave a rundown of freshmen safeties who are getting their sea legs before being asked about another fourth-year safety.
Like Battle, DeMarcco Hellams opted against the NFL to come back for another season in Tuscaloosa. In a secondary with a few big names and personalities, Hellams could be one who doesn’t get the same recognition as Battle or Kool-Aid McKinstry.
But the Washington DC product tied for the team lead with three interceptions a year ago. He also has quite a nickname.
“He’s Hitman Hellams,” Battle said Friday. “He’s a big hitter.”
Indeed he is. Listed at 6-foot-1, 208 pounds, Hellams has a highlight reel that proves he’s not afraid of a little contact.
But Hitman Hellams?
“I think he came up with it, to be honest,” Battle said who asked for the origin story. “His play speaks for the name. He’s a good hitter. When he breaks on the ball, I think receivers are a little timid to catch it.”
A 2020 hit on Kentucky’s Isaiah Epps came to mind when Battle was asked for examples. Another came against Mississippi State though YouTube highlight reels clipped together a few more.
With new starters coming at both cornerback positions, Battle and Hellams will be instrumental in setting the secondary. McKinstry earlier this week said the two are always there to answer questions and direct the back end of a defense entering the season with big expectations.
There are some real personalities in Alabama’s secondary. Jordan Battle proved that last year.
Now a senior, Battle stepped to the mic Friday to say he didn’t have any new Nick Saban jokes but noted the coach has been laughing a lot and that he’s “liking his energy lately.” The Fort Lauderdale product gave a rundown of freshmen safeties who are getting their sea legs before being asked about another fourth-year safety.
Like Battle, DeMarcco Hellams opted against the NFL to come back for another season in Tuscaloosa. In a secondary with a few big names and personalities, Hellams could be one who doesn’t get the same recognition as Battle or Kool-Aid McKinstry.
But the Washington DC product tied for the team lead with three interceptions a year ago. He also has quite a nickname.
“He’s Hitman Hellams,” Battle said Friday. “He’s a big hitter.”
Indeed he is. Listed at 6-foot-1, 208 pounds, Hellams has a highlight reel that proves he’s not afraid of a little contact.
But Hitman Hellams?
“I think he came up with it, to be honest,” Battle said who asked for the origin story. “His play speaks for the name. He’s a good hitter. When he breaks on the ball, I think receivers are a little timid to catch it.”
A 2020 hit on Kentucky’s Isaiah Epps came to mind when Battle was asked for examples. Another came against Mississippi State though YouTube highlight reels clipped together a few more.
With new starters coming at both cornerback positions, Battle and Hellams will be instrumental in setting the secondary. McKinstry earlier this week said the two are always there to answer questions and direct the back end of a defense entering the season with big expectations.
