See Alabama football receiver John Metchie III deliver crushing hit that causes Florida fumble

Alabama football receiver John Metchie III became a defensive back at least for one play during the 2020 Southeastern Conference Championship against the Florida Gators on Saturday in Atlanta.

Midway through the first quarter, Florida Gators defensive back Trey Dean III intercepted a pass by Alabama quarterback Mac Jones at the Florida 12-yard line. 

Dean started to return the pick, but Metchie got in the way. 

Metchie lowered his shoulder and delivered a hit that caused Dean to fumble the ball. Alabama receiver DeVonta Smith recovered the ball after Dean fumbled it.

See John Metchie III hit on UF's Trey Dean III

After Smith recovered Dean's fumble, Alabama took over at the Florida 31-yard line with 6:21 left in the first quarter. 

On the next play, Jones threw a 31-yard touchdown pass to Smith that put Alabama ahead 14-7.

Alabama, ranked No. 1 in the Amway Coaches Poll, entered the game 10-0 overall and 10-0 in the SEC. Most recently, Alabama defeated Arkansas 52-3 on Dec. 12. 

The No. 11-ranked Florida Gators came into the game 8-2 overall and 8-2 in the SEC. On Dec. 12, LSU beat Florida 37-34.