If no one else besides Alabama football fans will show DeVonta Smith some love, Pro Football Focus will gladly commend the returning junior at wide receiver on a fine 2018 season he had.
It is great to have an elite passer in Tua Tagovailoa at quarterback; however, the signal caller only looks good when the receivers make plays. Tagovailoa has a ton of game-changing weapons and the quiet one in Smith happens to be the most dangerous in many situations.
PFF released a graphic via Twitter on Wednesday that showed how important the Louisiana native is to Alabama’s offensive attack. On a minimum of 50 targets, Smith led all receivers in the Southeastern Conference in passer rating when targeted.
When Tagovailoa finds Smith, the All-American and Heisman finalist has a passer rating of 146.5 — which is higher than his marks when targeting Jerry Jeudy (125.1), Henry Ruggs III (142.7) and Jaylen Waddle (141.7).
Smith finished fifth in receptions (42) and receiving yards (693) in 2018, while recording six touchdown receptions. His average of 16.50 yards a catch was third on the team and over one-third (33.3 percent) of his receptions – 14 of 42 – totaled 20+ yards. Twenty-six of Smith’s 42 catches (62%) resulted in either first downs or scores, solidifying him as a big-play target.
He posted two 100-yard games versus Missouri and Oklahoma last year.
He missed a couple of games last season with a hamstring, but a healthy Smith could snatch a first-round NFL Draft grade. He came in with Tagovailoa, Jeudy and Ruggs and he intends on leaving with this group. Smith is the X-factor of the most elite position unit in college football.
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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.
