Alabama football has a young defensive secondary, but it has some players with knowledge of the system and culture who are prepared for a breakout season in the fall.
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DeVonta Smith, a fourth-year player, is one of those candidates. He arrived on campus as a four-star safety from Cincinnati (Ohio) in the 2021 recruiting class for the Crimson Tide. Smith battled through injuries, yet he received playing time late in the 2023 campaign. He assisted the Tide to a 27-24 victory over Georgia in the Southeastern Conference Championship Game, putting Alabama back in the College Football Playoff. The coaching staff discussed Smith’s toughness and patience through recovery in spring practice. Kane Wommack, the Tide’s defensive coordinator, wants Smith to play the ‘Husky’ position in the secondary.
He has the size, athleticism, coverage skills, and tackling skills that will transition in marquee games.
Smith saw his team teammate, Malachi Moore, bounce back from injuries and have success.
He is prepared to silence his doubters in the fall.
Smith has an opportunity to possibly be a high-round NFL Draft pick next year. He wants to first be one of the reasons behind a national title team.
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Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
