DeVonta Smith’s University of Alabama career started on the receiving end of the second-and-26 pass that will not be forgotten anytime soon. The junior season that put him in UA’s record book and in consideration for national awards could have been the end of that career.
But instead, the wide receiver from Amite, Louisiana, announced late Monday morning that he will return to UA for his senior season. His announcement comes minutes after quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s press conference announcing that he will enter the 2020 NFL Draft.
Smith led the 2019 team in receiving yards (1,256) and did so on 68 catches, nine fewer than Jerry Jeudy. His 14 touchdowns also led UA and is one of just six players in the nation to have 14 or more receiving touchdowns this season.
His 11 catches for 274 yards and five touchdowns against Ole Miss on Sept. 28 was historic on multiple levels. The 11 catches were tied for ninth in UA history and the 274 yards shattered the school record by 50 yards. The five touchdowns also blew past the previous school record of three, and his 14 touchdowns on the season tied for second in school history, tying Jeudy’s 2018 season.
Smith also had 213 yards and two touchdowns against LSU. He is one of just two UA receivers to have multiple 200-receiving yard games in a season, joining Amari Cooper’s 2014 season.
Reach Brett Hudson at 205-722-0196 or bhudson@tuscaloosanews.com or via Twitter, @Brett_Hudson
