DeVonta Smith twice won his way into the hearts of Alabama football fans and both situations came with the game on the line.
His savviness as a route runner, coupled with his secure hands outside, has made him one of college football’s premiere targets. Despite his increase in production through seven games, the Louisiana native was seen in street clothes during the second half of the Crimson Tide’s matchup with Missouri for homecoming on last week.
As he attempted to catch a pass from Tua Tagovailoa in the third quarter, the former four-star slowed up and immediately grabbed his leg. He ended up going to the locker room and did not return to the field.
According to Tide head coach Nick Saban, the program’s second version of “Mr. Clutch” (Kevin Norwood, original) sustained a hamstring injury and would be listed as “questionable” entering the team’s week of preparation for its rivalry game against Tennessee.
Prior to the mishap, Smith stood as Alabama’s second leading weapon in receptions (21) and receiving yards (409) with three touchdowns.
Although he could play versus the Volunteers, Saban mentioned that hamstring injuries are the toughest to gage in terms of a receiver being able to go full speed. Should the Tide not have Smith at Neyland Stadium, the coaching staff does have two options at its disposal.
Start freshman Tyrell Shavers
He enrolled at Alabama as a four-star recruit in 2018 and it is time for Josh Gattis as wide receivers’ coach to start developing some confidence in Tyrell Shavers.
He carries an exceptional frame at 6-6, 216 pounds while possessing the capabilities to become a valued route runner and game-changing weapon in certain situations. Hailing from Lewisville, Texas, Shavers was listed at No. 133 in the ESPN 300 recruiting database and finished his high school tenure with 1,200 yards receiving and 20 scores on 64 catches.
He is Smith’s backup as the X receiver and fans want to see what he can do.
Move Jeudy to X, put Waddle in slot
Honestly, this may be the move Saban goes with.
Just the thought of seeing see Jerry Jeudy outside and the speedy Jaylen Waddle inside should scare defensive coordinators and defensive backs to death. Jeudy already has three 100-yard performances against Southeastern Conference opponents – Ole Miss, Arkansas and Missouri – while Waddle is averaging 20 yards per catch as a freshman. The native Texas has been credited with 340 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 17 catches. As for Jeudy, his 705 yards receiving leads the Southeastern Conference and is sixth in the nation among wide outs.
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.
