DeVonta Smith has made a name for himself in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He’s become a clutch “go to” guy in dire situations. Not only did Smith catch the game winning touchdown against Mississippi State as a true freshman in 2017, he also caught the game winning touchdown in 2018 as the Alabama Crimson tide defeated the Georgia Bulldogs 26-23 in OT to win the National Championship. Simply put, having Smith on the field puts Alabama at the highest chance for success.
When Smith announced that he was returning for his senior year, I was immediately excited. He has become one of my favorite players to watch develop in his career at Alabama. Not only has he become faster, quicker on his feet, and even stronger, he has such a humble confidence about him, and it’s what makes him the star player he is.
Statistically, he has continued to improve each and every year as well. As a true freshman, he had 8 receptions for 160 yards, and 3 TDs, including the game winning touchdown I mentioned earlier against Mississippi State in 2017. That season, Smith shared reps with two upperclassmen: Calvin Ridley and Robert Foster, so it’s understandable why Smith’s reps and yards were so low. But that didn’t stop him.
In 2018, as a sophomore, Smith racked up a whopping 693 yards off of 42 receptions, and also had 6 touchdowns, one of which won Alabama the National Championship against Georgia which will always be remembered as “2nd and 26.”
When you take a moment to realize that Smith’s reps increased by 34 and his yards increased by 533 in just one season, you can imagine how much of a leader he is. He’s humble, and is a tremendous teammate. Simply put, he patiently waited for his time to shine.
And this season was no different. Smith shined on the field alongside teammates Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III, both of which declared for the NFL Draft.
In 2019, Smith had 68 receptions for 1,256 yards and 14 touchdowns, one of which sparked a second half comeback against the Michigan Wolverines in the Citrus Bowl.
In all honesty, some believe Smith had showcased enough to be a first round pick, but he decided to come back, and I think that was the best decision for him, and the team. Why?
Because Smith will be the leader. He will be the upperclassman who will guide the younger guys. Smith will be accompanied by returning talent in Tyrell Shavers and Slate Bolden, but there are also talented true freshman coming in who Smith can help develop and mentor.
It’s a win-win situation, really. Smith gets another season to showcase his talents, while also helping his younger teammates improve and get better, something Calvin Ridley did for Smith when he was a true freshman.
Because at the end of the day, it’s more than just a game. Smith said it best himself when he announced his return via Instagram:
“There’s a lot I have left to accomplish as a player and as a student, and I feel that my time is not up at Alabama. I have unfinished business to take care of and the only way to do that is to stay one more year.”
Smith knows his worth, and he knows what he’s capable of. Even though his junior year was very impressive, I think his senior year will be even better. After all, he knows what the unfinished business entails, but I have no doubt it includes winning another national championship, maybe with another game winning catch.
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