5. DeVonta Smith, WR
Smith, who was on the receiving end of the “2nd & 26” play that won Alabama championship No. 17, is now expected to step up to a larger role in 2020.
“DeVonta Smith will challenge LSU’s Ja’Marr Chase for the title of best receiver in the SEC and with teammate Jaylen Waddle (perhaps the most explosive gadget player in the conference) helping defenses take attention off him, Smith is primed for an All-SEC and potentially an All-American season,” says Marcello. “Smith averaged 18.5 yards per catch to go along with his 1,256 yards and 14 touchdowns last season. The advanced analytics are even more impressive. He averaged nearly 30 yards per catch in press coverage, according to Pro Football Focus, and also broke 15 tackles. PFF rates him as the second-best receiver in the country.”
3. Najee Harris, RB
Harris likely could have gone to the NFL after the 2019 season, but since it was a loaded class and Harris would likely improve, he returned for his senior season. Harris is considered to be a loose candidate for the 2020 Heisman Trophy.
“Alabama running back Najee Harris wasn’t the SEC’s top producer, but he did play at his best against the best teams on the schedule,” says Marcello. “He averaged 6.1 yards per carry while rushing for 142.7 yards per game against nationally-ranked opponents.
Harris also caught 27 passes for 304 yards and seven touchdowns to go along with his 1,224 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground. He broke tackles on more than 25 percent of his carries last season, too, according to Pro Football Focus.
He will be the centerpiece of Alabama’s offense early in the season, which might garner some early Heisman Trophy chatter, before the offense settles down and gets into a rhythm with new starter Mac Jones at quarterback.”