To call it how it is, wide receivers are the most dependent position in football.
With so much leaning on how well of a pass is delivered his way, it is tough to determine whether someone at that spot can be considered the best player on a team let alone win the Heisman Trophy.
It’s a rarity for both to occur, that’s why college football’s most prestigious award hasn’t gone to a receiver in nearly 30 years as Michigan’s Desmond Howard was the last to take it home in 1991.
But this season in college football is unlike any other, and although he may not be taking home the Heisman Trophy, Alabama’s DeVonta Smith must be acknowledged as the best player in the sport.
It’s not only because his teammate John Metchie had first handed the title to Smith a few weeks back, but it’s the production he’s been able to rack up throughout the season, accompanied by his unique ability to consistently get open and make unbelievable plays routine.
So far this season Smith has gone for over 100 yards six out of the nine games so far this season and has scored in every single game except two. What’s setting Smith apart is what he’s been able to do over the past four weeks, which may be the most dominant stretch by any player in the country right now.
Since the Mississippi State game on Oct. 31, Smith has caught 35 passes for 749 yards and 11 touchdowns.
For some receivers, that’s a good season.
But for Smith, that’s just finishing the year strong.
In totality, Smith ranks in the top three of every major receiving category in the NCAA as he is number one in touchdowns with 15, receiving yards 1,305 and is second in receptions with 80. There isn’t much more you can ask out of someone at his spot and based on his body of work should be considered for major acknowledgments.
But it’s not about individual awards for Smith, it’s about continuing the winning culture at Alabama and bringing home the ultimate trophy.
The national championship.
“I didn’t come here the win the Heisman,” Smith said after the team’s win over LSU. “I came here to win championships.”
There may not be a stiff-armed trophy in his future, but Smith has surely gained the respect of everyone in college football.
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Patrick Dowd is a Reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via Pat_Dowd77
