Week 14: DeMarcco Hellams, Alabama

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Jeff Hanson/Crimsontidephotos

University of Alabama safety DeMarcco Hellams, who played at DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, has been named the DC Touchdown Club Washington Metro College Football Player of the Week.

Hellams, a junior, made a game-high nine tackles, intercepted one pass and broke up another as the Crimson Tide beat Georgia, 41-24, in the SEC championship game. With the victory, Alabama earned a berth in the College Football Playoff.

Hellams, who was the DC Touchdown Club 2019 Maryland High School Player of the Year,  made his interception during a key moment of the game. Alabama led 31-17 midway through the third quarter as Georgia drove deep into the Crimson Tide’s territory. But Hellams stepped in from of the intended target and pulled in his third interception of the season.

"I saw the tight end coming across," Hellams told the Tuscaloosa News. "I saw Will. He had good pressure on the quarterback. I knew he had to deliver the ball soon, and when the ball is in the air, I feel like it's mine every time."

Hellams ranks fourth in tackles for the Crimson Tide, with 74, helping Alabama limit opponents to 20.2 points per game. On Sunday, Hellams received Alabama’s Defensive Achievement Award, presented for playing a crucial role in the effectiveness of the unit.

This week’s DC Touchdown Club Washington Metro College Football Player of the Week Honor Roll is:

  • Pittsburgh WR Jordan Addison (Tuscarora HS, Md.) caught eight passes for 126 yards as the Panthers beat N.C. State, 45-21, in the ACC championship game.

  • Shepherd DB Klayton Batten (St. Charles HS) made four tackles and intercepted two passes, returning one 32 yards for a touchdown as Shepherd beat Kutztown, 30-28, in an NCAA Division II quarterfinal.