He is simply the best, regardless of the record book one judges him on.
DeVonta Smith is the all-time career leader for receiving yards (3,620) and touchdown catches (40) in Alabama football history, while holding the Southeastern Conference record for scores.
He totals 1,000-plus yards receiving (1,511) for a second straight season, and he leads college football for receptions (98) and yards.
Smith chimes in with 17 touchdowns, which is second in the nation. As a wide receiver, he has seven 100-yard performances — including a pair of 200-yard games versus Mississippi State (203) and LSU (231) through 11 matchups. He put on a clinic in the SEC Championship against Florida, recording 15 catches for 184 yards receiving and two touchdowns in a 52-46 win for the Crimson Tide. The 6-foot-1, 175-pounder has been known as a dynamic weapon on the outside; however, it is his versatility that has earned him more recognition from national media.
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According to an announcement from the Louisville Sports Commission, Smith has been named a finalist for the Paul Hornung Award.
Named after Paul Hornung, a Heisman-winning quarterback at Notre Dame in 1956 and a standout for the Green Bay Packers (1957-66) of the National Football League, the honor is presented to the nation’s most versatile player.
In college, Hornung played every position in the offensive backfield, handled punting and placekicking duties, returned kickoffs, and started at safety on defense.
Along with being a star receiver, Smith scored one rushing touchdown and returned eight punts for 199 yards.
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He averaged 24.9 yards per return, including an 84-yard touchdown versus Arkansas. Smith is a finalist for the Biletnikoff and Maxwell awards too. He is one of three Tide players, joining Mac Jones and Najee Harris, that looks to hear his name called as a Heisman finalist on Thursday.
The winner of this year’s Heisman Trophy will be announced on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021.
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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.
