Alabama football's self-dubbed 'Hit Man' has earned the reputation

There's a code when it comes to nicknames that looks down on self-given ones. The best nicknames almost always come from peers, and they tend to stick better that way, as well. But Jordan Battle is giving his fellow Alabama safety, DeMarcco Hellams, a pass for coming up with his own: Hit Man Hellams.

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To the best of Battle's knowledge, the moniker came from Hellams himself. Nevertheless, it fits him well enough.

"His play speaks for the name," Battle said Friday. "He's a good hitter and when he breaks on the ball, I think receivers get a little timid."

Hellams ranked third on the team in tackles last season with 87, and made plenty of them with emphatic authority. He and Battle give Alabama a pair of returning starters at safety and leadership at the back end of the defense, and both are considered solid NFL draft prospects.

It's Hellams, however, who's got the well-earned reputation for thunderous tackles.

Hit Man works.

Even if it was self-dubbed.

Reach Chase Goodbread at cgoodbread@gannett.com. Follow on Twitter @chasegoodbread

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama football's self-dubbed 'Hitman' has earned the reputation