University of Alabama teammates took notice of the decleating hit John Metchie III put on Florida defensive back Trey Dean III in the Southeastern Conference Championship Game.
Quarterback Mac Jones tried to fit the football into a tight window, but it was intercepted by Dean III. The Gators’ cover man thought it was a turnover until Metchie III came out of nowhere. The standout sophomore from Brampton, Ontario ran back downhill in a blur.
“That was awesome. It just goes to show, Metchie — I don’t know if he was angry or what — but I just love how he came in there and made a play. He created a turnover off a turnover and we ended up scoring,” Jones said in a videoconference.
“It just goes to show that Metchie, he’s an effort guy. Even when he doesn’t get the ball he’s going to try and make plays. Effort plays like that just shows what type of players we have on our team.”
The 6 ain’t friendly ???? @Metchie_Jr #BamaFactor #RollTide pic.twitter.com/Nio3NmvoNO
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) December 22, 2020
Metchie III knocked the football out and fellow pass catcher DeVonta Smith recovered for the Crimson Tide. It’s clear Dean III never saw the Canadian coming. Instead of Florida gaining possession, Alabama got the ball back and Smith scored a touchdown, one of two in the game to go with 15 catches for 184 yards.
“He made a great play and it was a hug momentum thing,” Smith said in a videoconference.
“I told him you need to come to defence and play safety after that hit,” All-American cornerback Patrick Surtain II said in a videoconference. “I didn’t know he had that in him.”
Metchie III finished the SEC title tilt with four receptions for 62 yards, boosting his numbers to 44 grabs for 782 yards and six touchdowns through 11 games for undefeated Alabama. However, it was the big hit on Dean III that may have been the most impactful play of the season so far for the No. 1-ranked team in the NCAA.
Alabama won by one score 52-46 to be crowned SEC champions and secure one of the four spots in the college football playoff. Metchie III provided a pivotal play for the Crimson Tide who are preparing to play the University of Notre Dame in the CFP semi-final with a chance at a national championship thanks in part to the Canadian.
