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DeVonta Smith’s MVP performance in Rose Bowl should lock up Heisman Trophy for him

DeVonta Smith with third TD catch for Alabama in Rose Bowl Game
Kirby Lee - USA TODAY Sports

“We are not done yet.”

One can add DeVonta Smith to the list of players that not only quote its head coach, Nick Saban, but people automatically believe him when he says something. Last season, Alabama had Smith, Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III and Jaylen Waddle all in its wide receiver room. People targeted Jeudy as the “most complete” player, but Smith is the definition of perfection at the position.

RELATED: Mac Jones’ efforts in Rose Bowl win makes him first 4,000-yard passer in Nick Saban era at Alabama

When one feels as though it has seen Smith at his best, the senior turns around a delivers a performance that baffles commentators, fans, opponents and spectators. He has been dropping jaws all season, and especially since an ankle injury sidelined Waddle against Tennessee.

Six of eight 100-yard receiving games have come after the meeting with the Volunteers.

The 6-foot-1, 175-pounder was deep in his bag in Friday’s Rose Bowl Game versus Notre Dame and was named the Most Valuable Offensive Player.

After the Gators failed to lock up Smith in the SEC Championship, the physical defense of the Fighting Irish could not contain the “Slim Reaper” and top-15 NFL Draft pick for this year.

He caught seven passes for a game-high 130 yards receiving with three touchdowns in a 31-14 win for the Crimson Tide. Smith’s three scores tied a Rose Bowl Game record, joining Braylon Edwards (Michigan, 2005) and Deontay Burnett (USC, 2017). He averaged 18.6 yards per receptions, with a long grab of 34 yards that resulted in a touchdown. Whether it was toe-tap grabs, high-pointing passes, catch and burst or his blocking abilities, Smith has consistently proven that he is the total package at receiver.

No one has been able to defend him throughout his career, and now he is six catches (223) away from surpassing Amari Cooper (228, 2014) for most all-time in Alabama football history.

Smith has the career record for receiving yards (3,750) and touchdowns (43).

He will not talk about it, but his performance may have locked the Heisman Trophy up for him.

In watching his game, former Tide standouts and NFL analysts are in awe of him.

The honor has become more of a quarterback award, but Smith has 22 total scores.

RELATED: Nick Saban provides an update on Malachi Moore and Christian Harris after Rose Bowl Game

He has a punt return touchdown, a rushing score, and leads all receivers in the NCAA for catches (105), yards (1,641) and touchdowns (20).

Smith is a consensus All-American, SEC Offensive Player of the Year, Sporting News Player of the Year, CBS Sports Player of the Year and Associated Press Player of the Year.

Since 1998, seventeen of 22 winners of the AP Player of the Year honor have won the Heisman Memorial Trophy.

The presentation ceremony is scheduled for next Tuesday via ESPN.

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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

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Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama. He is a senior writer and reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He has covered Alabama football for 15 years and his knowledge and coverage of the Crimson Tide's program have made him among the most respected journalist in his field. Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other marquee outlets as an analyst.

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