The 2017 freshmen class for the University of Alabama football program will be forever remembered as the best collection of offensive weapons in the Nick Saban era.
For a group that had Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, Najee Harris, Brian Robinson, Alex Leatherwood, Jedrick Wills, Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III, it was responsible for a Southeastern Conference title, a College Football Playoff national title, and bringing excitement to Crimson Tide fans across the landscape. Although many considered Jeudy to be the most complete wide receiver of the talented trio Alabama signed, DeVonta Smith has morphed into the best player at the position in school history.
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After recording his first-ever 1,000-yard season (1,256) in 2019, Smith returned for his senior year and has amazed coaches, teammates, opponents, media pundits and NFL Draft personnel. Not only has he assured himself of a first-round spot in 2021, but the Louisiana has also positioned himself for individual accolades.
During his game versus the LSU Tigers on last week, he completely embarrassed Ed Orgeron and company. The 6-foot-1, 175-pounder recorded a game-high eight receptions for 231 yards and three touchdowns in a 55-17 victory for Alabama. He burned LSU’s secondary on long scores of 65 and 61 yards, while his 20-yard score in the end zone gave fans a vibe of former NFL legends Marvin Harrison, Lynn Swann and Randy Moss.
In two matchups with the Tigers, Smith totals 15 catches for 444 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
On Monday, he was awarded SEC Offensive Player of the Week. Shortly after, the former four-star got selected as a semifinalist for both Maxwell and Fred Biletnikoff awards.
On Tuesday, the Maxwell Football Club Foundation named him as its Maxwell National Player of the Week. Coach Saban and the players for Alabama look at Smith as the best player in college football.
According to Landon Dickerson, the Tide’s offensive lineman considers it an honor to play with Smith.
“Watching Smitty on the field is like watching art,” Dickerson said.
Maxwell Player of the Week
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SEC Offensive Player of the Week🗒️: https://t.co/xNar4L2C4Q#BamaFactor #RollTide pic.twitter.com/CdEK4WcauE
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) December 8, 2020
He leads the nation for receiving yards (1,305) and is tied for first in touchdowns (15).
Smith is closing in on surpassing Amari Cooper for all-time marks in receptions and receiving yards. He needs 31 catches and 50 yards to move ahead of the 2014 Biletnikoff Award winner.
In four seasons, Smith chimes in with 198 career receptions for 3,414 yards and 33 touchdowns.
He owns the career mark for scores in school history, but he has four games to rewrite all record books.
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Cooper’s tenure ended with 228 catches, 3,463 yards and 31 touchdowns.
Smith will face Arkansas this weekend.
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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.
