With his family and close friends watching from a community center in Amite (La.), DeVonta Smith became the third player and first wide receiver in Alabama football history to win the Heisman Trophy.
His performances all season led to the accomplishment, especially his moments in big games.
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Smith returned to school for his senior year to earn his degree, improve his NFL Draft stock and win a national title. He has achieved two of the three and has a Heisman Trophy to boot with it.
During his speech on perseverance, the AP Player of the Year and consensus All-American spoke on how he was always doubted because of his size. The 6-foot-1, 175-pounder never allowed it to hinder him from greatness, and he used it as fuel to push himself to be the best.
Upon being asked on why chose to come back to the Crimson Tide for another season, Smith made it perfectly clear that he has one final box to check before he leaves.
“The two main reasons I came back was to get my degree and to win another national championship,” Smith said. “I’ve checked one box, and I’m just trying to check the other one now.”
In carrying the nickname “Slim Reaper,” one can tell Smith is about his business.
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He appreciates the moment of winning the Heisman; however, his mind is on next week.
No matter the opinions of the opposition, Smith has dominated every defensive secondary he has faced this year. The next challenger will be the Ohio State Buckeyes at HardRock Stadium (Miami Gardens, Fla.) on Jan. 11. He started his career leaping into the hearts of Tide fans with his 41-yard, game-winning catch versus Georgia for a national title. Now, he will have a chance to punctuate his career with a second ring.
A high first-round draft grade awaits him, but Smith is set to give the Alabama fan base on final thing to cheer about.
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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
