Alabama Crimson Tide’s DeVonta Smith wins Heisman Trophy
DeVonta Smith became the first Alabama receiver to win the Heisman Trophy. (Heisman Trophy Trust/Kent Gidley)
DeVonta Smith’s historic year got more historic with the Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver and return specialist claiming college football’s top award Tuesday.
Smith won the Heisman Trophy in a virtual ceremony. The 2020 recipient joins running backs Derrick Henry (2015) and Mark Ingram (2009) as the only Crimson Tide players to win the award. Smith is only the fourth wide receiver to win the award, joining Michigan’s Desmond Howard (1991), Notre Dame’s Tim Brown (1987) and Nebraska’s Johnny Rodgers (1972) who played both running back and receiver.
Smith leads the nation in receiving yards, touchdown receptions and yards after catch. He is Alabama’s leader in all-purpose yards with 1,912, averaging 159.3 yards per game.
Smith came to the Capstone in a wide receiver room that included Jerry Jeudy, Calvin Ridley and Henry Ruggs III. All three are in the NFL now and Smith said he learned different techniques from each of them. When Jaylen Waddle went down to an injury in the Tennessee game this season, Smith was the clear go-to receiver who elevated his game.
Alabama’s DeVonta Smith wins 2020 Heisman Trophy from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.
Among the many thanks Smith gave in his acceptance speech, he focused on two groups – his teammates and those who don’t always measure up.
“Thank my teammates. With team success comes individual success, so without y’all I wouldn’t be where I am today winning this award,” Smith said. “Just to all of the young kids out there that are not the biggest, not the strongest, just keep pushing. ‘Cause I’m not the biggest. I’ve been doubted a lot just because of my size. And really, it just comes down to you put your mind to it, you can do it. No job is too big. If you put your mind to it, you can do it and just keep believing in God and you will get to where you want to be.”
Those weren’t the only thanks that Smith had.
“First off, I would like to thank God. Without him, none of this would be possible,” Smith said.
He also congratulated his fellow finalists, saying “Y’all are great athletes. Just to be a part of something like this is truly a blessing. I want to thank my family – my mom, my dad – just everything y’all taught me to mold me into the young man I am today. I want to thank my mentor, Vincent Sanders. Without you, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Just from the rides to taking me places that I want to visit and just for doing things and helping me get to where I am.”
Smith’s growth in Tuscaloosa has been remarkable and he noted that in his speech.
“I want to thank coach (Nick) Saban for giving me the opportunity to come play at the University of Alabama,” Smith said. “Thank coach (Holmon) Wiggins, my receiver coach, just for helping me day in and day out – watching film, making me a better player.”
Smith also thanked Jeff Allen and the athletic training staff. He also acknowledged university President Dr. Stuart R. Bell and athletic director Greg Byrne “just for being here and making everything possible with COVID going on and giving us a chance to play this season. Thank you and Roll Tide!”
Crimson Tide quarterback Mac Jones was also a finalist, finishing third in the voting. The starting running back on this year’s Alabama team, Najee Harris, finished fifth in the voting. It is the eighth time teammates have been finalists since the Heisman was introduced in 1935. In addition to Smith and Jones, the four finalists included Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence (who finished second in voting) and Florida quarterback Kyle Trask (fourth).
Smith, a senior, forever earned a place in the hearts of Crimson Tide fans when he won the 2017 national championship as a true freshman with a walk-off touchdown reception from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in overtime against the Georgia Bulldogs. His decision to return for his senior year coupled with his exceptional play this year on the Tide’s march to another potential national championship have only endeared him more to fans.
Smith is expected to play a key role as the Crimson Tide will face the Ohio State Buckeyes for the College Football Playoff national championship Jan. 11 at 7 p.m. on ESPN.
Family and friends gathered in Smith’s hometown of Amite City, Louisiana to celebrate his huge victory.
To some of his teammates, Smith is known as “The Slim Reaper,” because, as Howard said during the Heisman Trophy ceremony tonight on ESPN, Smith “is out there on the gridiron snatching bodies and taking souls.”
Alabama Coach Nick Saban simply refers to Smith as “Smitty” and has been effusive in his praise for the receiver.
Smith’s family calls him “Ta” (pronounced “Tay”). The popular YouTube Alabama game video breakdowns hosted by the unOFFICIAL Assistant Coaches calls Smith “The Golden Gazelle.”
In addition to all of the nicknames, Smith will now forever be known as “Heisman Trophy winner.”
