It would have been special to make history on his birthday. It would have been iconic for him to do it versus the legendary school in his home state.
It would have been even sweeter to accomplish the goal against an elite cornerback in the sport.
However, fate had other plans.
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DeVonta Smith was ready to become Alabama’s all-time leader for career touchdown receptions versus Louisiana State University on last week.
He was going to do it matched up on Derek Stingley and officially write his name above the 2014 Fred Biletnikoff Award winner, Amari Cooper. Unfortunately, a rise in Coronavirus cases for the Tigers forced the Southeastern Conference to postpone the game. Smith, a senior at wide receiver, returned to school to be the best player at his position that’s come through the program. He will not get the record in Louisiana, but maybe it was meant for Crimson Tide fans to witness the final coronation of his greatness at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
On Saturday, he will take the field in a meeting with the Kentucky Wildcats and grab history.
He came to the Tide as one of five receivers in an explosive 2017 offensive signing class.
Despite the duo of Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III claiming more of the conversation, it is the silent assassin who is tied with Cooper for most touchdown receptions (31). Since last season, Smith has showcased an ability to take over games.
Whether it is his routes, hands, speed or competitive nature to fight for the ball, opposing defensive secondaries have no answers for him.
He’s had Georgia’s number since the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship Game, and has dominated both Mississippi schools in the SEC. Currently, Smith is fifth all-time for receptions (174) and third for receiving yards (2,868) in Alabama history. Should he total at least five catches this weekend, he would tie former Tide receiver Julio Jones (2008-10) for fourth-most in school history with 179.
He needs 20 receptions to tie D.J. Hall (194) for third all-time.
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Smith has 56 catches for 759 yards with eight scores through six games.
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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.
