Some players could have been special for Alabama football, but injuries got in the way.
Kalen DeBoer and Kane Wommack inherited a talented defensive back that has been banged up in his career, yet he has an opportunity to be a significant contributor for the Crimson Tide.
DeVonta Smith arrived in the Tide’s 2021 recruiting class as an instinctive safety prospect from Cincinnati, Ohio. He was in position to start at safety last season; however, a foot injury in preseason camp sidelined him. Smith would return to help Alabama defeat Georgia to win a Southeastern Conference Championship, but he knows how much better the secondary could have been if he was healthy for the full campaign.
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Now in his fourth season, Smith added 11 pounds to his 6-foot frame.
The 205-pound defensive back is Alabama’s leader at the “Husky” position in Wommack’s 4-2-5 defense. Smith has the responsibility of helping in run support, pressuring quarterbacks on a blitz, and covering slot receivers and tight ends.
He could have went anywhere when Nick Saban retired, but Smith wants to let more naysayers know. A former four-star, he is pumped to be on a defense that will bring physicality back to the Tide. Smith told reporters during fall practice that ‘loyalty’ was the biggest reason why he decided to stay at Alabama.
“Loyalty has been a part of me since I was a young child,” Smith said.
“It came from my mother, my family, and those around me, so loyalty is the reason why I chose to stay with the team.”
Smith said the biggest maturity he has seen with himself is taking care of his body.
“If you know my story, I was banged up most of my sophomore and junior year,” he said.
“So I definitely taken care of my body in ways that I have learned from people outside of here.”
He has had a great support system that’s helped him deal with the injuries, but Smith is excited about becoming a marquee playmaker on a defense that wants to be elite.
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“I am extremely excited,” Smith said about being healthy.
“It is a blessing to be here. I could not ask for anything else, this is an unbelievable opportunity and I am ready to maximize it.”
Alabama fans are looking forward to Smith having success in the fall.
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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.
