What was once thought to be a pipe dream may soon become a reality for Alabama’s two Heisman Trophy hopefuls.
Since Week 1 of the SEC’s season, quarterback Mac Jones had been considered by many to be the front runner for college football’s most prestigious award. But in the past month, his teammate and favorite target DeVonta Smith has been on a surge to put his name into the discussion.
Having a receiver make it as a finalist is something that hasn’t happened in 20 years and Smith had really only seen praise from the media although all acknowledging the nature of the award. But in a recent USA Today, Heisman survey sent to all USA Today affiliates who have a vote to elect the winner, both Jones and Smith lead the pack.
Jones currently owns a total of 52 votes along with 15 first-place votes both of which far surpass every other candidate considered.
But Smith came in second in the voting with 27 total votes accompanied by five first-place votes. Florida quarterback Kyle Trask placed third with 24 total votes and just a single first-place vote.
If these numbers were to hold a ton of history would be made in New York when the trophy is handed out on Jan. 5.
For starters, it would be the first time since 2005 where teammates finished in the top three in voting as USC running back Reggie Bush won the award while quarterback Matt Leinhart placed third.
It’d also be the first time since 1945 where two teammates finished first and second in the voting since Army fullback Doc Blanchard and running back Glenn Davis finished in the top two spots.
Smith’s placement would also be the highest a wide receiver has finished since 2014 when Alabama’s Amari Cooper finished third in the voting.
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Patrick Dowd is a Reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via Pat_Dowd77
