When a former legend of Alabama football goes on the defense for another Crimson Tide great, one knows that something serious is happening.
Next week is the NFL Draft, and all the pundits have focused on DeVonta Smith’s weight.
RELATED: Nick Saban, Alabama football has a chance to tie the record for most first-round draft picks
He played at 166 pounds, but tell that to Eric Stokes (Georgia), Derek Stingley Jr. (LSU), Marco Wilson (Florida), and Shaun Wade (Ohio State) who were all responsible for defending him in 2020. None of those defensive backs or their coaches could hinder the Louisiana native from winning the Heisman Memorial Trophy.
In fact, he embarrassed every defense in the Southeastern Conference and two of the best defensive schools — Notre Dame, Ohio State — in the College Football Playoff.
People have been pushing the agenda of Smith’s durability, despite him having one injury during his career.
Cornelius Bennett, a three-time All-American at Alabama, is tired of the noise. He was the SEC’s Defensive Player of the Year and Rotary Lombardi Award winner in 1986. Bennett finished his career with 287 tackles, 21.5 sacks, and three fumble recoveries.
He played 14 seasons (1987-00) in the National Football League, earning five Pro Bowl selections and three first-team All-Pro honors. According to Bennett, he played with two Hall of Famers — Marvin Harrison, Steve Tasker — who were of small build.
I see that the prognosticators are weighing in on @DeVontaSmith_6 size 166lbs. I guarantee that if you weighed his heart it would be 100 of those 166!!!! I played with two HOF’ers Marvin Harrisonlll and Steve Tasker who were of small build and they were never questioned!!!!!
— Cornelius Bennett (@realcbennett97) April 22, 2021
No one questioned Harrison’s or Tasker’s ability to be successful, but everyone is after Smith.
Bennett wants the draft pundits to focus on Smith’s heart and production on the field.
He will be great no matter where he lands, and Smith will cause those who pass on him to regret it.
Alabama’s all-time leading wide receiver is ready to hear his name called. Smith is projected to be taken early in the first round.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber-only content!*
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.
