Falcons HC Arthur Smith had high praise of seventh-round S DeMarcco Hellams after his performance in their preseason opener against the Dolphins.
“It’s the same thing we saw in Alabama,” Smith said, via Tori McElheney of the team’s site. “The guy is around the football. He shows up when the lights are on, just like he did at Alabama. He continues to find the football. He’s a good football player, and we’re going to continue to work on some other things, but it’s a good pattern to have two weeks in a row (where he’s) going and getting the ball.”
Falcons senior defensive assistant Dave Huxtable said Hellams has shown a high work ethic since joining the team.
“DeMarcco, he’s a worker, and he’s learned how to work with a good work ethic, and I think he’s done a great job coming here, learning the system, maybe some new techniques, some new fundamentals. I think he’s picked those things up really well, and it showed last Friday night in the game,” said Huxtable.
Huxtable thinks Hellams is bringing his “hitter” mentality he showed at Alabama.
“You know what he was in college? He was a hitter,” Huxtable said. “In that game Friday night? Multiple tackles coming from the safety position. He doesn’t turn down a hit, and that’s what he was at Alabama.”
Panthers HC Frank Reich believes CB Donte Jackson will be ready for Week 1 after he sustained an ankle injury in their preseason game against the Giants.
“I think so. I think so,” Reich said, via PanthersWire. “But, I’m anticipating so, yes.”
As for CB C.J. Henderson, Reich called him “Mr. Consistency” of their offseason program.
“He’s been great,” Reich said. “I shouldn’t say that, you get a little excited. But he’s been Mr. Consistency. Yeah, he’s just been consistent, been good. Really excited about what he’s put on tape.”
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!