TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - "When you come to the University of Alabama, you come to Denny Chimes and you see all the great names that have played here. You make it a goal to have your name added to the list. To have my name, my handprint, my fooprint, be placed beside some of the greatest to ever play the game is truly a blessing."  - DeMeco Ryans

DeMeco added another chapter to his story book career at the University of Alabama by adding his name, foot and handprints to the list of former Alabama captains located at Denny Chimes on the quadrangle of the Tuscaloosa campus. In a ceremony held Saturday before the Annual A-Day Spring Game, Ryans joined fellow captain Brodie Croyle as the latest additions to the walk of fame. "I've received several awards this year but this ranks at the top," DeMeco explains.

The tradition of having Alabama's captains place their foot and handprints on the walk that surrounds Denny Chimes is a tradition that dates back to the late 1900's. Ryans joins the likes of Johnny Mack Brown, Fred Sington, Bart Starr, Joe Namath, Ken Stabler, Cornelius Bennett, Derrick Thomas and Shaun Alexander, all who have their prints cemented on the walk of fame. "Growing up in Alabama you hear the names, you look up to a lot of those guys who played here before you. But to see that your name is placed beside theirs is truly a humbling experience."

During halftime festivities of Saturday's game DeMeco was awarded the Vince Dooley Defensive Back Award. The annual award is given to the SEC's best defensive back or linebacker by the Atlanta Touchdown Club. The Dooley Award is the latest in several regional and national awards given to DeMeco including the Lott Trophy which is a national award given to a college football player who has made a positive impact on the game and his community. By winning the Lott Trophy, the University of Alabama was awarded a $25,000 check.