He was not only a major asset to Tua Tagovailoa, but DeVonta Smith also helped Mac Jones settle in — upon him replacing Tagovailoa late in the 2019 season. People crack on his size, but Smith returns as one of college football’s best playmakers on the outside in the coming fall.
As good as Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III were at Alabama, Smith has an opportunity to surpass former Crimson Tide standout Amari Cooper for most career touchdown catches.
After posting a team-high 14 scores last year, he is nine touchdowns shy (23) of 31 – which stands as the record. The Louisiana native led the Tide in receiving yards (1,256) and yards per matchup (96.6), while catching 68 passes. Smith collected three 100-yard games, including a couple of 200-yard outings versus Mississippi (274) and LSU (213) at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
According to Pro Football Focus, Smith was very good to quarterbacks. When he was targeted, signal callers achieved a 152.5 passer rating – which was third in college football.
He trailed only Jaylen Waddle and Ruggs.
Devonta Smith’s 152.5 passer rating when targeted – third in college football.
Only behind Jaylen Waddle & Henry Ruggs.pic.twitter.com/JctMHdOe0D
— PFF College (@PFF_College) May 30, 2020
While he is currently 10th all-time in school history for receptions (118), Smith has often been compared to Marvin Harrison.
A Pro Football Hall of Famer, Harrison played 13 seasons in the National Football League (1996-08) with the Indianapolis Colts.
The silent assassin was a huge blessing to Peyton Manning, as Harrison excelled in route running, deceptive speed and making clutch catches.
He, like Smith, was not a big target yet Harrison was an eight-time Pro Bowl selection, three-time NFL All-Pro first team, two-time NFL receptions leader (2000, 2002), two-time NFL receiving yards leader (1999, 2002), NFL receiving touchdowns co-leader (2005) and a Super Bowl champion in 2006.
The 6-foot, 185-pounder had eight 1,000-yard seasons – including four 1,400-yard campaigns in his tenure.
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DeSean Jackson, a wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles, is another smaller target that has carved out a great professional career.
He carries the same weight as Smith (175 pounds) on a 5’10” frame and has been in the league since 2008. Jackson, a product from the University of California at Berkley, is a three-time Pro Bowler and a five-time 1,000-yard receiver.
Smith, who’s listed at 6-foot-1, has the potential to be as good as both players listed.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
