He has gone from underrated to “Mr. Clutch,” in terms of receivers at Alabama under Nick Saban.
As a freshman, DeVonta Smith was on the receiving end of two game-winning touchdowns, including a 41-yard reception from Tua Tagovailoa in the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship Game versus Georgia.
He was one of five players to record at least 40 catches in 2018, totaling 693 receiving yards with six scores. As a junior, Smith exploded last season for a team-high 1,256 yards and 14 touchdowns on 68 receptions.
A native of Amite, La., the former four-star posted three 100-yard games in 2019 – including a pair of 200-yard outings versus Ole Miss and LSU. Smith averaged 18.5 yards per catch and 96.6 yards per matchup. With the likes of Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III both in the National Football League, the sun shines on Smith as the Crimson Tide’s No. 1 receiver for this fall.
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As he eyes a chance to be a first-round pick for the 2021 NFL Draft, Smith has been training with former Tide defensive back, Robby Green.
A fellow Louisiana native, Green was on Alabama’s 2009 BCS National Championship team.
He totaled 33 tackles and recorded six pass breakups with one interception. In taking the lessons he learned from Saban, Green is the founder of Dynamic Performance Training.
He works with youth, high school, college and professional athletes. According to his Instagram on Wednesday, Green posted a video of Smith perfecting his agility, change of direction, burst, acceleration, hands and route-running skills.
With his decision to return for a senior season, it gives Smith an opportunity to be the first receiver taken off the board.
The 6-foot-1, 175-pounder will have still competition – especially Jaylen Waddle, his teammate at Alabama – but Smith has never shied away from challenges.
He is going to be very exciting to watch.
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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.
