Nick Saban led the Alabama Crimson Tide Football team to the CFP National Championship earlier this year. Quarterback Mac Jones, RB Najee Harris, and CB Patrick Surtain II starred as they beat the Ohio State Buckeyes by a commanding 59-24 scoreline. But once again, it was star wide receiver De’Vonta Smith who stood out, yet again.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
Despite missing the 2nd half of the game, Smith had 215 receiving yards and 3 receiving TDs in the final. This came after he was previously awarded the Heisman Trophy ahead of Alabama teammate Mac Jones, Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence, and University of Florida’s Kyle Trask.
.@HeismanTrophy winner @DeVontaSmith_6 has always believed in himself. And he's silenced the doubters every step of the way. 🤫 📺: 2021 #NFLDraft - 4/29 to 5/1 on NFLN/ESPN/ABC
In doing so, Smith became the first wideout to bag a Heisman Trophy since Desmond Howard won it in 1991. Smith concluded his final season under coach Saban with 1,856 receiving yards and 24 receiving TDs in just 13 games. He has seen a meteoric rise in recent years.
Here is one key figure in Smith’s rise to prominence as one of the best college wide receivers of all time.
ALSO READ – From Quarterback to Tight End, the Road ‘Less Taken’ by Gators Superstar Kyle Pitts
De’Vonta Smith reveals his special bond with barber Vincent Sanders
On a recent SportsCenter feature, De’Vonta Smith gave a detailed insight into one aspect of his personal life. The youngster spoke about his ‘unbreakable bond’ with long-time barber, Vincent Sanders.
Smith revealed, “He (Vincent) has been there every step of the way. And he’s still here now so I know if it’s anything on the keys there. Vin Sanders’ got you. I wouldn’t be where I am…right from taking me places that I want to visit just to doing things and just helping me get to where I am. Father, a friend a brother, a mentor. He can be all Baba for life.”
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
Sanders has been around Smith right from his childhood. He attended his high school basketball games. Vince was the one that kept De’Vonta going when the odds were against him.
“We did everything the right way. He didn’t shortcut and he took everything I said he turned out great,” Sanders added.
When Smith suffered an injury that all but ended his basketball dreams, it was Sanders who urged the youngster to try out for the high school football team. The rest, as they say, is history.
ALSO READ – Trevor Lawrence, Baker Mayfield and Other 1st Overall Picks to Land Bumper Endorsements