USA Today via Reuters
Jan 1, 2021; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) dives over a tackle attempt by Notre Dame safety Shaun Crawford (20) for a touchdown Friday, Jan. 1, 2021 in the College Football Playoff Semifinal hosted by the Rose Bowl in AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 1, 2021; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) dives over a tackle attempt by Notre Dame safety Shaun Crawford (20) for a touchdown Friday, Jan. 1, 2021 in the College Football Playoff Semifinal hosted by the Rose Bowl in AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby-USA TODAY Sports
At 6 feet and 1 inch, DeVonta Smith is not exactly the most ‘heavy duty’ wide receiver in college football. The Louisiana-born athlete arrived as a true freshman at the University of Alabama in 2017. He has gone on to establish himself as one of the best college wide receivers in recent memory.
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 11, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) scores a touchdown during the second quarter against Ohio State Buckeyes safety Marcus Hooker (23) in the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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LSU’s Ja’Marr Chase (also born in Louisiana) had a stellar season in 2019, playing alongside quarterback Joe Burrow. But he opted out of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 crisis. In his absence, it was DeVonta who went on a cold-blooded rampage under the tutelage of college football legend, Nick Saban.
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Why DeVonta Smith is arguably the greatest college wideout this decade
Keep doubting DeVonta Smith 🤐@AlabamaFTBL @DeVontaSmith_6 pic.twitter.com/graRGWrqv4
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) April 24, 2021
Alabama Crimson Tide football team made their way to the CFP National Championship earlier this year. They beat Justin Fields-led Ohio State Buckeyes by a comprehensive 52-24 scoreline. Quarterback Mac Jones threw for 464 yards with 5 passing TDs but once again it was DeVonta Smith who grabbed headlines.
The 22-year old had 215 receiving yards with 3 receiving TDs on just 12 receptions. What made those numbers even more impressive was the fact that Smith featured in just the 1st half.
DeVonta ‘The Flash’ Smith – Greatest college wide receiver in the SEC?
He sat out the latter half of the game due to a hand injury. But nevertheless, earned plaudits for a sensation outing in the final.
Smith concluded his 2020 NCAA campaign with 1,800+ receiving yards and 24 receiving TDs. He set the new record for the most receiving TDs by an SEC player (24). The previous record was held by LSU’s Ja’Marr Chase (20 receiving TDs in 2019).
Smith also surpassed Vanderbilt’s Jordan Matthews (3,759) as the player with the most receiving yards throughout his career in the SEC. He concluded his 4-year stay in Alabama with 3,965 receiving yards and 46 receiving TDs.
Due to his tenacious displays in 2020, Smith was awarded the Heisman Trophy. He beat the likes of Mac Jones, Kyle Trask, and Trevor Lawrence, to become the first wide receiver to win the prestigious award in the 21st century. The previous wideout to win a Heisman was Desmond Howard in 1991.
He is one of the top-rated prospects in the 2021 NFL Draft. Who do you think will move first to sign Smith when the draft begins in a few days? Tell us in the comments below.
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