In making his decision to return to Alabama for his senior year, DeVonta Smith will be in position to become a first-rounder in the 2021 NFL Draft.
He exploded last season and led the Crimson Tide in both receiving yards (1,256) and touchdowns (14) on 68 receptions.
The 6-foot-1, 175-pounder averaged a team-high 18.5 yards per catch and 96.6 yards per matchup.
He had three 100-yard performances, including a pair of 200-yard games versus Mississippi (Ole Miss) and LSU of the Southeastern Conference.
A native of Amite, La., Smith has 23 touchdown catches (career) and will be one-half of a talented duo with Jaylen Waddle. According to Pro Football Focus, the former four-star has been the best vertical receiver in college football since 2018.
Alabama WR DeVonta Smith had 32.9% of his catches result in a 15+ yard gain since 2018.
The highest rate in college football. pic.twitter.com/9nyud2cn7p
— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) April 7, 2020
Smith had one game (N. Mexico State) in 2019 where he averaged under 10 yards per catch.
Of the weapons that Tua Tagovailoa had in his collegiate tenure, Smith was the most clutch in critical situations. He caught two game-winning touchdowns as a freshman, with one coming against Georgia in the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship Game.
Despite an injury to Tagovailoa, the crafty receiver developed a chemistry with Mac Jones.
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Smith had big moments versus Western Carolina, Auburn and Michigan – totaling three scores combined and helping Jones gain confidence.
He will be one of the primary leaders on offense this season, as the Tide looks to capture a national championship.
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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.
