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CBS Sports ranks this Alabama star as one of the most dynamic players of the last 25 years
CBS Sports ranks this Alabama star as one of the most dynamic players of the last 25 years
Former Alabama receiver DeVonta Smith was a college football sensation from his freshman season in 2017 through his final game in a Crimson Tide uniform in January 2021.
The "Slim Reaper" became a star and the latest in a long line of Alabama football legends when he hauled in a game-winning 41-yard touchdown pass from Tua Tagovailoa in overtime to defeat the Georgia Bulldogs in a 26-23 national championship game thriller on Jan. 8, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. "2nd and 26" has been a household name ever since.
Three years later, Smith finished his college career with almost 4,000 yards receiving (3,965), a Heisman Trophy, and a second national championship ring. He made sure his final game in an Alabama uniform was one to remember. Smith caught 12 passes for 215 yards and three touchdowns as the Crimson Tide overmatched the Ohio State Buckeyes, 52-24, in Miami to cap a perfect 13-0 season.
It's no wonder then that Smith is widely recognized as one of college football's most electric players from the first quarter of the 21st century, something CBS Sports recognized Monday in its unveiling of the 25 most dynamic players since 2000.
Smith was ranked No. 9 overall on the list and was the No. 2 ranked receiver behind 2024 Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter of Colorado. CBS Sports' Brad Crawford highlighted Smith's banner performance against Ohio State in his analysis of the electric receiver's dominance while at Alabama:
"Outside of Joe Burrow's seven-touchdown first half against Oklahoma in the 2019 College Football Playoff, Smith's 12-catch, three-touchdown and 215-yard explosion against Ohio State in the national title game to end the 2020 season might have been two of the best quarters of the decade for an offensive playmaker. Before Hunter there was Smith, who was the first Heisman winner at receiver since Desmond Howard in 1991."
Smith was also the third of Alabama's four Heisman Trophy winners, joining running backs Mark Ingram (2009) and Derrick Henry (2015). Bryce Young became the Tide's fourth Heisman winner in 2021.
Need another reminder of Smith's star power during his time at Alabama? Take a look back at his performance against LSU in Tiger Stadium on Dec. 5, 2020, a 55-17 mauling of the Bayou Bengals. Smith caught eight passes that night for 231 yards, a staggering 28.9 yards per catch to go with three touchdowns.
That includes his insane one-handed grab over Derek Stingley Jr. just before halftime.
Smith is Alabama's all-time leader in receiving yards, eclipsing Amari Cooper's mark from 2012-14.
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